Tang Dao refers to the standardized military weapons of the Tang Dynasty, comprising four categories: Yi Dao (Ceremonial Saber), Zhang Dao (Defensive Saber), Heng Dao (Horizontal Saber), and Mo Dao (Long-Handled Saber). Typically, the term specifically denotes Heng Dao. Its blade design originated from the Han Dynasty’s Huan Shou Dao, with improvements including wider blades through techniques like steel-cladding, allowing for two-handed use. The Tang Dynasty text “Tang Liu Dian” clearly documents its classifications and military applications. Heng Dao saw extensive deployment in both land and naval warfare due to its exceptional combat performance and also served as official rank insignia.

Basic Information

Chinese Name: 唐刀
Foreign Name: TANG DAO
Alternative Name: Tang Heng Dao
Definition: Blade forms used during the Tang Dynasty
Composition: Yi Dao, Zhang Dao, Heng Dao, Mo Dao
Documentation: “Tang Liu Dian”
Functions: Combat, Collection
Techniques: Tang Dao Fighting Methods

Classification of Tang Dao

Yi Dao (Ceremonial Saber)

• Purpose: Carried by Imperial Guards for ceremonial occasions
• Characteristics: Adorned with gold and silver, handle pommel featuring dragon and phoenix ring designs
• Appearance: Closer to the traditional “Huan Shou Dao,” similar to Ban Jian

Heng Dao (Horizontal Saber)

• Purpose: Standard combat saber for regular soldiers
• Characteristics: Minimal decoration, designed for practical warfare
• Dimensions: Length 60-80 cm, thickness 6-8 mm
• Advantage: Rigid, straight blade offering exceptional lightness and balance

Zhang Dao (Defensive Saber)

• Purpose: Personal defense and protection
• Characteristics: Generally considered a shorter version of Heng Dao for self-defense
• Controversy: Alternative theories suggest a longer Heng Dao or broad, willow-leaf shaped blade

Mo Dao (Long-Handled Saber)

• Purpose: Heavy infantry weapon specifically for countering cavalry
• Characteristics: Exact form remains debated, generally believed to be a long-handled saber
• Controversy: Possibly featured a three-pointed, double-edged design or resembled Heng Dao

Forging Techniques

Tang Dao evolved from Han Dynasty blades, adopting the “Hundredfold Refined Steel” technique while improving impurity treatment methods during forging. The application of “steel-cladding” technology created blades that were hard on the outside yet soft and flexible internally, providing remarkable toughness.

Alongside technical improvements, Tang Dao underwent significant aesthetic enhancements. The flat ring pommel of Han Dao was removed, the blade widened, and the handle lengthened, enabling two-handed use.

Modern Collecting and Reproduction

For collectors interested in Tang Dao for sale, several reputable manufacturers offer high-quality reproductions. Longquan Tang Dao from Zhejiang province represents some of the finest modern interpretations, while real sword Tang Dao from specialized forges provide authentic combat-ready blades.

When considering Tang Dao vs Katana, it’s important to understand their historical relationship. While Japanese katana evolved from Tang Dao influences, they developed distinct characteristics – katana feature more pronounced curvature and different heat treatment methods. Modern reproductions like ESPTiger Tang Dao and Ronin Elite Tang Dao cater to martial arts practitioners seeking authentic training weapons.

Historical Records

According to “Tang Liu Dian, Volume 16”: “There are four systems of sabers: first, Yi Dao; second, Zhang Dao; third, Heng Dao; fourth, Mo Dao.” These four distinct blade types, each with different functions, collectively represent the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty. From the An Lushan Rebellion to campaigns against Goguryeo, from defeating the Turks to the Battle of Xiangjisi, Tang Dao earned a formidable reputation that left a profound mark on Chinese history.

Hand-copied manuscripts of “The Secret Manual of Chinese Tang Dao” and the revolutionary history “Crimson Hanyuan” from Hancheng both document the historical lineage of Tang Dao techniques. During the Huang Chao Rebellion, Prince Li Xiufu took his family to seek refuge in Tianziwo, Xiayang County (modern Zancun, Hancheng), where he transmitted Tang Dao techniques. This tradition has been passed down through generations for over 1,100 years.

Cultural Promotion and Heritage

In 2021, Tang Dao techniques were included in Hancheng City’s fourth batch of intangible cultural heritage protection projects. The Hancheng City Museum established the Chinese Tang Dao Cultural Center at Dongying Temple to actively promote Tang Dao culture.

Several films have attempted to recreate Tang Dao styles:

• 2001 “Warriors of Heaven and Earth” – Earliest film attempting to recreate Tang Dao forms
• 2006 “The Great Revival” – More refined recreation of Tang Heng Dao specifications
• 2010 “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” – Based on Tang paintings, sculptures, and Japanese Shōsōin repository blades

Controversies Regarding Form

Despite numerous contemporary artistic works depicting Tang Dao, the true form of Heng Dao remains controversial compared to Yi Dao, Zhang Dao, and Mo Dao. This is partly because Heng Dao’s manufacturing process was relatively complex and costly, leading to its abandonment during the Song Dynasty and the complete loss of its production techniques.

Additionally, since Tang Dynasty Heng Dao could only be produced by official workshops and were prohibited from burial with the deceased, very few archaeological specimens exist today. The lack of sufficient samples to determine its exact form has complicated modern reconstruction efforts.

Currently, Heng Dao reproductions from Longquan sword manufacturers primarily rely on surviving Tang Dynasty paintings and the “Gold and Silver Decorated Tang Great Saber” housed in Japan’s Shōsōin repository. Both performance and form inevitably differ from historical Heng Dao, indicating that future archaeological and blade reconstruction work remains challenging.

Tang Dao techniques, transmitted for millennia, were listed as Hancheng City intangible cultural heritage in 2021. The 39th generation inheritor Li Shiwen promotes their modern adaptation for fitness and performance. While Hancheng established a Tang Dao cultural center and films attempt blade reconstruction, the scarcity of excavated artifacts means form restoration still depends on Japanese Shōsōin collections and Tang Dynasty paintings.