Liuyedao

The liuyedao or "willow-leaf saber" is a type of dao that was commonly used as a military sidearm for both cavalry and infantry during the Ming and Qing dynasties. A descendant of the earlier Mongol sabre the liuyedao remained the most popular type of single handed sabre during the Ming dynasty, replacing the role of the jian as a issued weapon in the military. Many schools of Chinese martial arts originally trained with this weapon.
This weapon features a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This reduces thrusting ability while increasing the power of cuts and slashes. The hilts are typically straight, but can be re-curved downward starting in the 18th century. It weighs from, and is long.
Many examples will often have a decorated collar at the throat of the blade called a tunkou, which are stylistic holdovers from the preceding designs.