A Rare Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha-Kaetta
A Rare Sinhalese Kandyan Knife / Piha- Kaetta
Sinhalese
Kingdom of Kandy (Sri Lanka)
18th century
Silver, brass, iron, enamel
Blade: 23,2cm (including bolster)
Hilt & Blade: 33,7cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 448
Ex. Sofe Design Auctions: Carrollton, Texas (2024)
A rare and very old piha- kaetta chopper knife from the old Kingdom of Kandy, now Sri Lanka. Piha 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. A single fuller panel decorates the blade on each side with inlaid brass engraved floral patterns. At its base is curling liya- pata (floral work) with swirling brass inlay at the heel. The thick spine is also inlaid with brass designs. There is a brass band adorning the iron bolster. The blade has been previously cleaned to preserve, with some significant pitting still remaining.
The hilt is of a kastane sword style hilt without the guard. The pommel terminates in the head of the Simha, stylized lion head, and the national symbol of the Kingdom of Kandy. It presents a raised crest, prominent eye ridges, enameled red eyes, protruding teeth and tongue, and layered manes. The hilt grip is highly decorated, composed entirely of silver and brass adornments and borders with liya- pata and liya- vela motifs. Two fingerstalls on the bottom are decorated with lotus flowers. The hilt silver is of good quality. One enameled eye retained. Some loss to the hilt backstrap of the Simha.
This style with the kastane hilt is the only variation of the type that I have seen. It is assumed that the hilt was originally the traditional Sinhalese piha hilt decorated in liya- pata or liya- vela floral vegetation and vine curls. Some of the older examples exhibit the mythical bird, serapendiya. The hilt was likely damaged and replaced with the kastane hilt now seen on it. This was an old break and replacment. A beautifully presented Sinhalese chopping knife showing the intricate and fine craftsmanship of the four royal workshops of the Kingdom of Kandy. A very old knife in a rare variation.
[1] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/fine-silver-hilted-kasthane