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The Sword of 越王勾践 Gou Jian, King of the Yue State during the late Spring & Autumn Era (770-476BC) is more than 2400 years old. According to records this sword was forged by the best weaponsmith of the time, 欧治子 Ou Zhizi, and has since been known as one of the greatest swords under heaven. In 1965 this sword was discovered in a Chu tomb (Wang Shan No.1), located 7 km from the ancient site where Jinan City was. Jinan City was a secondary capital of the Chu State during that era. At that time this precious sword was sheathed inside a black wooden scabbard. When it was unsheathed the blade still gave off a cold shine, showing no sign of corrosion even after more than 2000 years underground.

Recently Chinese forging experts claimed to have discovered the secret behind the non-corroding nature of this wonderous sword, & they have went on to make 2500 duplicates of the original. Of these 870 pieces are being sold officially, causing a great stir. The Cultural Dept has stated that unauthorized duplication of relics is illegal. The smiths however argued that it was a logical thing to do.

According to media reports the Shanghai Traffic University, Chinese Forging Association & many local forging experts managed to discover the sword's secret together. Using the same materials they proceeded to duplicate swords which are same in appearance & feel as the original.

This batch of duplicates were all given serial numbers, & 870 of them are being marketed as limited editions. The retail price is standardised nationally at RMB9600 (around US$1130). As soon as news of this got out it immediately created waves among many members of the society.

As the sole keeping unit of the Sword of Gou Jian, the Hubei provincial museum immediately declared publicly that they have never taken part in any project involving the duplication of this national treasure. They have also said that certain organizations' mass duplication of the sword without prior communication with them is suspectedly illegal. The duplicating parties rebuked them by saying that it was a case of sour grapes for the Hubei provincial museum.

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