Curved Sword and Sheath

50.31.27

Information

Although previously described as a Bhutanese sword, this is a Burmese dha. A curved sword with a long two-handed hilt and heavy silver lotus pommel. The grip is bound with plaited reeds and finely engraved silver plates. The wooden sheath is fitted with silver mounts, that include several brackets, a central interlocking diamond motif and possibly abstract cloud designs, again all very finely engraved with Chinese motifs such as shou symbols of longevity, bats (for good luck), butterflies, fans and possibly a kilin, a mythical creature walking amongst plants and flowers, on the base plate.