The Chinese Executioner Swords. East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty, Boxer Rebellion period, ca. 1899 to 1901 C.E. An intimidating and sizable executioner's sword of variety known as a dao (or dadao, literally 'big knife') with a curved, forged-steel blade bearing a sharpened edge. The blade is decorated with beautiful engraved decor with Buddhist 'cloud' motifs. Small iron guard to position the hand and prevent slipping onto the blade, but of no defensive function. The blade tang is inserted inside a bronze handle that ends in a bone pommel. Boxer executioners visited villages, with the red streamers of their swords raised on the back, ferreting out foreigners, Christians, and those perceived too sympathetic to them, who were rounded up and decapitated for all to see. The very volume of their work dictated that they must act quickly and move on leaving carnage and a message in blood. An estimated 32,000 Chinese Christians and 200 foreign missionaries were executed. An estimated 100,000-300,000 Boxers were eventually defeated by 150,000 Chinese and European forces.