Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 229:
A distinctive south-east Asian sword, this example is high quality example of the classic sword of Burma and Thailand, called a dha and daab, respectively in each country, with large variations in form and nomenclature across the Golden Triangle region which includes Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and southern China/Yunnan. These swords typically have a similar form which is comprised of round cross section tubular grips, though these come in many forms of decoration including those mounted in silver such as this example. The blades display significant variation and are distinguished by the quality of the blade geometry and smithing. Inthis case, this blade form with the rounded spatulate tip with a slight extension is termed a hua bua in Thai, or a sheeps head tip. The dha and its variants were possibly derived from the Assamese and Naga dao, a broadsword used by both the Assamese people and Naga people of northeast India for digging as well as fighting. The Naga weapon was a thick, heavy, eighteen-inch long backsword with a bevel instead of a point, and this form of blade is found on some dha.Alternatively, the dha may have its origins with the Tai people who migrated to the area from present-day Yunnan Province in southern China. The Khmer and Mon peoples were wellestablished before the arrival of the Tai or the Burmese people and perhaps invented the dha as 13th-century reliefs at Angkor Wat depict the weapon.The example in the Schmiedt Collection is a beautifully preserved example with a very finely made blade displaying a well-defined blade profile including a deep fuller running the length ofthe blade and a rare form of blade tip. The hilt and scabbard both of dark wood and mounted with silver fittings. The pommel in the form of a lotus bud, as is common on Southeast Asianswords, while the scabbard mounted with silver fittings with a braided silver fitting at the chape.The blade displays a rich damascened pattern showing the lamellar construction rarely found on dha and indicative of the level of quality of the sword.Dating from the 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 29" Blade Length : 15"References:1. Greaves, I. A., Bowditch, M. Winston, A. (2007) "The Swords of ContinentalSoutheast Asia, " in History of Steel in Eastern Asia, Macao Museum of Art.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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