The sword was found in 1965 in Hubei, China. Cast in tin bronze, the Goujian sword is known for its unusual sharpness and the stigmatized resistance rarely seen in such old artifacts. Although buried for 2,000 years, the Goujian sword was as good as new. This historical Goujian sword of ancient China is currently in the possession of the Hubei Province Museum.
There are 8 sealed letters on the blade near the handle of the Goujian sword which translates as "The Sword belongs to the Goujian, the King of Yue State". Goujian was the famous emperor of China who ruled during the spring and autumn periods. Although his kingdom was defeated by the Wu kingdom, the use of this sword 10 years later led him and his army to victory.