The ‘Dha Hmyaung’ is a side-knife found in Burma and is often equipped with a well forged slightly curved blade with single or double cutting edge. The hilts are often made of ivory or bone and carved in very complex interloping designs featuring spiritual figures. Often with brass or silver fittings and scabbards. Ranging from simple utility knife to formal status symbol among higher ranks. Most ‘Dha Hmyaung’ feature cultural influence like the typical carving style and silverware from the Shan people residing in the East and Central parts of Burma.

This example:
A fine example with good quality blade, slightly curved and with a single cutting edge and segmented false cutting edge. The ferrule on the hilt and scabbard are made of silver with braided borders. The hilt is elaborately carved from bone and depicts interloping foliage, petals and two stacked figures. These carvings are found in both bone and ivory and are often attributed to the Moulmein and Pyinmana workshops in Southern and Central Burma. The scabbard is made of two slabs of a very dark and dense hardwood which is peened at the tip and held together with a silver ferrule.
Condition: Very good condition, well maintained.

Dimensions:

Hilt length: 10.5cm

Blade length: 16.2cm

Blade spine thickness: 5mm

Total length: 28.2cm

Weight: 211gr.

Comparable examples:
– The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York acc.nr. 36.25.998

Provenance: Dutch art market.