Ɏ A DHA SWORD WITH A CARVED MARINE IVORY HANDLE, BURMA, SHAN PEOPLE, 19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

Ɏ A DHA SWORD WITH A CARVED MARINE IVORY HANDLE, BURMA, SHAN PEOPLE, 19TH CENTURY The iron blade of curved form with a blood groove on both sides, fitted with a meticulously carved and pierced handle featuring two fierce looking bilu (ogres) standing atop each other and holding curling stems, framed below by a band of upright hexagons above a border of stiff petals. The sheath is made from leather-covered wood detailed with braided leafy scrolls. Dimensions: Length 45.5 cm Dha is the Burmese word for “sword” and is conventionally used to describe a broad range of knives and swords employed across Southeast Asia, particularly in present-day Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Yunnan, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The widespread distribution and regional variations of the dha make a definitive attribution difficult. The form may ultimately derive from the Tai peoples, who migrated into mainland Southeast Asia from present-day Yunnan in southern China. This type of hilts were individually commissioned, no two were alike. Their elaborate decoration is often highly symbolic, incorporating motifs that may have conveyed information about the owner, status, beliefs, or intended function of the weapon. The bilu is a fearsome supernatural creature in Burmese folklore, traditionally characterized by fangs and a protruding tongue. bilu and his female counterpart, bilu ma, are malevolent spirits believed to bring misfortune, disease, and famine, prompting various forms of exorcism intended to drive them from villages. According to legend, however, the bilu were transformed after hearing the teachings of the Buddha, renouncing their evil ways and ultimately becoming defenders of the Buddhist faith. Literature comparison: Compare a related dha sword with ivory handle, dated 19th century, 17.5 cm long, in the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number 2569&A(IS). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 26 March 2014, lot 173 Price: EUR 5,625 or approx. EUR 7,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar decoration with bilu holding stems, as well as the manner of carving and form. Note the size of the handle (19.5 cm), different material, and that there is no blade and sheath. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

图片