Piha- Kaetta
Piha- Kaetta
Kingdom of Kandy, Ceylon - British Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
18th century - Early 19th century
Iron, silver, brass- copper, ivory
Blade: 19,1cm
Hilt & Blade: 32,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 100
Ex. Auctions Imperial: Chatsworth, California, USA (2019)
A beautiful and fine Sinhalese Kandyan or piha- kaetta 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 downward toward the point. The blade has a wide fuller that follows near the spine, heavily engraved in curling liya- pata (floral work) chased in silver sheet. There is another panel directly below that spans approximately half the length of the fuller consistent in the same manner. Minor loss to the silver sheet.
The bolster of a brass- copper alloy and silver, with elaborate openly carved liya- pata curls at its base while extensively decorated with swirling liya- vela (flowers encircled by their own stems) in silver on the front faces. Squeezed between the bolster and hilt is a silver collar decorated in geometric motifs and a braided brass wire. The thick spine in silver sheet, engraved in more traditional Sinhalese designs.
The elephant ivory hilt showing an orange patinated hue stepped in sync with the tang, carved in patterned liya- pata and riveted by silver floral studs, one now missing. Silver embossed decorative sheet pommel with a brass pommel cap. The silver side plates that were riveted to the pommel are missing, a common occurrence on these.
A beautifully presented Sinhalese piha knife showing the intricate and fine craftsmanship of the four royal workshops of the Kingdom of Kandy. Ornately carved handle and silver chased blade in extensive detail. A fine knife.
[1] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31548
[2] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/32743
[3] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1905-0616-60
[4] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1905-0616-61
[5] https://oriental-arms.com/product/heavy-piha-kahetta-dagger/
[6] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=7149