A Very Fine Dha Hmyuang with Figural Ivory Carved Pommel
A Very Fine Dha Hmyuang with Figural Ivory Carved Pommel
Shan People
Shan State - British Burma (Myanmar) - Kingdom of Siam (Laos)
First half 19th century
Steel, elephant ivory, silver, cotton
Blade: 23,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 39,4cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 40,6cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 350
Ex. Oriental Arms: Haifa, Israel (2023) (https://oriental-arms.com/product/early-dah-dagger-knife-from-the-shan-states-burma-laos/)
An exceptional dha knife known as a dha hmyuang from the historic Burmese or or Laos region. The blade is single-edged steel with a slight downward curve to a point. Elephant ivory pommel, intricately carved in the form of a demon or mythological deity with a silver collar hilt. Silver sheath over a wood base. Original cotton baldric cord tied to the upper section. The silver mounts are of real silver (lower - medium grade). A rare and exciting piece.
Photo 10: A comparison with examples in Robert Hales "Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour", pages 154 -155.
Hales, Robert. "Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour". 2013. Pages 148 - 158
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2003-0306-1
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1972-Q-3321-a
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2003-0306-1