Zhou Zheng Wu (Chris Zhou) is one of the most renowned sword smiths in China.

The Macao Mueseum was so impressed with the sword that they purchased the sword and placed it on display.

http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo/photodetail.asp?productkey=2005101501001&lc=3

The " Han Wu Sword " has been ranked # 1 in the "Masters of Fire" Competition.

http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo/show.asp?prg_id=2005101501&language=3

Born in Longquan, the legendary city of sword makers for the last 2,500 years, Zhou learned the art of sword forging from his father. Renowned for his ability Zhou has created swords for some of China's top officials including Wu Lan Fu (the former vice president), and Xi Zhongxun (the Deputy Prime Minister). Currently Zhou is the curator of the Longquan Zheng Wu Sword Forging Institute and for the Longquan Sword Musuem.

 

Chris Zhou's Profile:

Mr.Chris Zhou 1968 Zhou Zheng Wu (Chris Zhou),was born in Longquan city (the city with a history of sword forging that stretches back 2500 years), in Zhejiang Province, China. 1988 Under his father's instruction, Zhou began studying the art of forging swords.He has gone on to forge swords for Wu Lan Fu,the former Chinese Vice Chairman, and Xi Zhongxun, The Deputy Prime Minister. 2001 Awarded the professional title of Arts and Crafts Master of Zhejiang in Zhejiang Province from the Zhejiang government. 2002 Founded the Zheng Wu Sword Forging Institute,where he lectures and prouces traditional swords. This was also the location where he produced the first patterned sword. The sword was created using the traditional fold and compostie forging. The sword was warmly received at the renowned Bo Dao Qi (complex fold up forging) Chinese sword forum. 2003 Awarded the Silver Prize by the Chinese Arts Association. 2004 Founded the Longquan Sword Museum, which features Longquan swords. Was awarded the Arts and Crafts Fine Work Prize and Excellence Prize for the Zhejiang Pro 2005 He participated in the Chinese Folk Arts and Crafts Exhibition and was awarded the "Prize of the Work of Nature". 2005 The Han Wu was the only opus choosen in China to be held in the Macao Art Museum. Masters of Fire 15/10/2005 - 15/1/2006 International Exhibition of Contemporary Blade smiths

This is the winner of the Masters of Fire Contemporary Blade Smiths Competition. Top blade smiths from all over the world entered this competition, the blades varied as much as the countries that they were from. However, it was this replica of the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty that won.

Every aspect of this sword has been expertly crafted by one of the best blade smiths in the world. The blade has been layered with steel and iron then folded to create 8,000 layers. Styled in the Ba Hau method, the blade has eight sides. This alone could only be done by an expert smith (you might see knock offs of this sword but these will not have eight sides). In the tradition of Longquan the blade has been quenched in the legendary spring of Longquan, or the dragon spring.

The fittings of the sword are bronze, cast in the lost wax method. Each fitting is the same as the Emperor's sword, transcending through time 2,162 years. The cord wraps are dark brown silk and the scabbard is ancient Sandalwood.

There are only four of these sword in the world (including the Masters of Fire winner in Macao). This is not a replica of history, this is a piece of history.

The sword includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a serial number, official stamp of Chris Zhou, and Chris Zhou's signature.

Chris Zhou only made 4 of these swords himself, including the one in the museum and we only have one piece. If you are a serious sword collector, this sword is the one you must have.