Dha from Brunei

Andrew · 20th April 2005, 01:52 PM

I cannot read the text, but that one (Lot 2822) does not appear to be a dha. I am uncertain as to the origin of the piece, nor am I certain it hails from Brunei or SEA at all.

It looks as if it is a compilation sword. The pierced ivory handle does, indeed, look like the work of Burmese or, possibly, Thai artisans. Mark has made a better study of these carved handles than I.

The blade, with its suggestion of a yelman, and the scabbard with two suspension rings, looks Ottoman in flavor, if not origin, to me. The apparant short length is puzzling, however. Perhaps in a mid-east style?

Interesting sword.

Photo from Hermann Historica

Mark · 20th April 2005, 02:09 PM

I agree with Andrew's observations. The handle IMO is clearly Burmese, or at least by a Burmese artisan. In particular, the depiction of demons is not something that you would see in Islamic are, but is something very common in Burmese ivory carving. The vegetal motif is distinctively Burmese.

The blade looks like a kilij; in any event the drastic curve would be highly unusual in a dha/daab. I doubt it is from Brunei, unless someone picked up a Burmese handle that they liked and had it mounted on a kilij, or kilij-inspired, blade.

By the way, someone got a fantastic deal on lot #2829.

tom hyle · 20th April 2005, 02:12 PM

Seems to be made from the tip of a sabre....sha'sh'qa? The sheath certainly doesn't look SE Asian, either.

Ian · 20th April 2005, 02:30 PM

Can't add anything meaningful to this one. An odd mix of styles and geographic influences.

Mark, there were several dha that did not attract an opening bid. Not a strong showing by dha guys, and a couple were knocked down below current market prices. But when you do the current exchange rate from Euros to dollars, and add on the auctioneer's fee of 20% or more, then the price shown does not come out quite so cheap as it seems.

20th April 2005, 01:52 PM	#1
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I cannot read the text, but that one (Lot 2822) does not appear to be a dha. I am uncertain as to the origin of the piece, nor am I certain it hails from Brunei or SEA at all. It looks as if it is a compilation sword. The pierced ivory handle does, indeed, look like the work of Burmese or, possibly, Thai artisans. Mark has made a better study of these carved handles than I. The blade, with its suggestion of a yelman, and the scabbard with two suspension rings, looks Ottoman in flavor, if not origin, to me. The apparant short length is puzzling, however. Perhaps in a mid-east style? Interesting sword. Photo from Hermann Historica

20th April 2005, 02:09 PM	#2
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	I agree with Andrew's observations. The handle IMO is clearly Burmese, or at least by a Burmese artisan. In particular, the depiction of demons is not something that you would see in Islamic are, but is something very common in Burmese ivory carving. The vegetal motif is distinctively Burmese. The blade looks like a kilij; in any event the drastic curve would be highly unusual in a dha/daab. I doubt it is from Brunei, unless someone picked up a Burmese handle that they liked and had it mounted on a kilij, or kilij-inspired, blade. By the way, someone got a fantastic deal on lot #2829.

20th April 2005, 02:12 PM	#3
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Seems to be made from the tip of a sabre....sha'sh'qa? The sheath certainly doesn't look SE Asian, either.

20th April 2005, 02:30 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,469	Can't add anything meaningful to this one. An odd mix of styles and geographic influences. Mark, there were several dha that did not attract an opening bid. Not a strong showing by dha guys, and a couple were knocked down below current market prices. But when you do the current exchange rate from Euros to dollars, and add on the auctioneer's fee of 20% or more, then the price shown does not come out quite so cheap as it seems.