The 'waist chop' is an ancient Chinese form of torture/execution

The 'waist chop' is an ancient Chinese form of torture/execution. Ranking more severe than decapitation, but less severe than 'thousand cuts', it was an infrequent form of execution fit for those who did a particularly serious crime.

The Ancient chinese law and judicial system did not concern itself with 'intent' or accidents; if someone broke a law that was punishable by xyz, no matter who they were, they would be executed in that manner. Officials, ministers and commoners alike were held accountable to their actions and would receive this rather nasty and cruel form of execution.

Originating during the warring kingdom period, this form of execution was not prevalent across the country. It was only made widespread upon the unification of China under the Qin dynasty who practised it. 

The condemned person would be bent over a stool or bench with an executioner brandishing a large and pointy saw. When instructed the executioner would make broad and deep cuts just above the victims waist. Massive internal bleeding and organ loss occurred after a few strokes where the victim would almost definitely pass out from shock prior to death. Not everyone died immediately, and allegedly the last time it was used in 1734, the victim managed to write the word "miserable" seven times with his own blood before dying. This supposedly shocked the emperor who stopped the use of the punishment.

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