A Fine Dha Hmyuang with Figural Ivory Carved Hilt
A Fine Dha Hmyuang with Figural Ivory Carved Hilt
Shan
Shan State - British Burma (Myanmar) - Kingdom of Siam (Laos)
Last half 19th century (ca. 1885)
Steel, ivory ( elephant), silver
Blade: 14,6cm
Hilt & Blade: 26cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 27,3cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 450
A fine knife known as a dha hmyuang from the historic Burmese or Laos region. The blade is single- edged steel with a slight downward curve to a point. Silver ferrule mount with banded silver filigree. Elephant ivory hilt, intricately carved with four figures encompassed by sprawling florals. The figures represent Yamayana, Burma's national epic, and its version based on Ramayana. The carvings portrays two dieties in narration on the upper hilt, possibly Yama (Rama) and Thida (Sita), against two mythological creatures or demons on the lower half.
The sheath consists of two symmetrical laquered wood slabs held together by bands of rattan. The silver mounts are of real silver (lower - medium grade). A rare and exciting, elaborately carved storytelling piece.