The piandao (片刀) is a type of Chinese sabre (dao) used during the late Ming dynasty and through the Qing dynasty. A deeply curved dao meant for slashing and draw-cutting, it bore a strong resemblance to the Persian shamshir. A fairly uncommon weapon, it was generally used by skirmishers in conjunction with a shield.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/2014_Manchu_Forbidden_City_Xiangbai_Banner_Pavilion-_Qing_Swords_3.jpg/220px-2014_Manchu_Forbidden_City_Xiangbai_Banner_Pavilion-_Qing_Swords_3.jpg)
See also