A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

  • A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta

A Fine Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta
Kingdom of Kandy, Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
18th century
Elephant ivory, silver, brass, iron, copper
Blade: 21,9cm
Hilt & Blade: 31,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 34,9cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 442

Ex. Oriental Arms: Haifa, Israel (2024)

A beautiful piha- kaetta chopper knife from the old Kingdom of Kandy in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. These knives are known for their intricately carved hilts and detailed silver and brass ornamentation. This one features a single- edged heavy iron blade that curves down toward the point. Three panels decorate the blade on each side with inlaid brass engraved with cross- hatched patterns called "dela" or netting that represent either feathers or pineapple skin. The lower two panels are outlined in a brass inlaid perimeter. Curling liya- pata (floral work) with swirling brass inlay at the heel and liya- vela (flowers encircle by their own stems) on the iron bolster. The thick spine is also inlaid with brass dela geometrical designs and stepped along the hilt.

The fine elephant ivory stout hilt with liya-pata (floral work) curled edges. Ornamented in silver rivets, with a silver repoussed plate on the pommel of meandering vines. The wooden sheath is horizontally fluted with a copper mouth bordered in filigree work. The chape curls inward with floral curling. A beautifully presented Sinhalese chopping knife showing the intricate and fine craftsmanship of the four royal workshops of the Kingdom of Kandy. Ornately carved handle and brass inlaid blade, complete with its original sheath.