In addition to dealers specializing in art works from the Qianlong period, there are also many collectors of wooden furniture and decorative furnishings from that time. One outstanding item from the Qianlong reign at the 2012 Guardian autumn auction was a broadsword worn at the waist named Baoteng that sold for RMB 48.3 million. It was one of the 90 imperial broadswords, made over a period of 47 years under the Emperor’s personal supervision, that symbolized his supreme power. Those still remaining today are now on display in Beijing’s Palace Museum.    

The sword has a long, slightly curving blade and a white jade handle carved with spiral pattern at the base. The end of the handle is carved with a six-petal flower, at the heart of which is a hole through which a cord decorated with yellow tassels and pearls is threaded.

The sword’s precious materials, exquisite craftsmanship, artistic excellence, and historical significance render this artifact a work of art beyond compare.