Silver Thai Ayutthaya Dha
Description
The ‘Dha‘ or ‘Dhaab‘ originates from South East Asia and was widely adopted in Yunnan, Burma, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. They vary in blade shape and decoration of the hilts. Some are made of silver, some of brass, but also ivory, iron and wooden hilts are presented. The blades can vary in shape, but are all curved and single edged. In some regions, like Mindan, the blades are decorated with complex silver and copper overlay designs depicting hunting scenes or myths.
This example:
A magnificent example of its kind originating from Thailand, during the end of the Ayutthaya period. The Ayutthaya period is one of the most prosperous periods of the modern Thai history and known for the exquisite craftsmanship of gold and silver objects.
The hilt:
Made of a wooden core, clad in very fine repoussé silver. The following decoration is presented from top to bottom; The pommel, union shaped with a fluted center with lotus petal borders. The mid section is divided in five differently decorated segments showing lotus petal cartouches filled with foliage, two demonic masks accompanied by dragons, two segments with a complex design of foliage and finally a guard with typical Thai style cloudy lotus petals filled with floral motifs.
Made of a wooden core, clad in very fine repoussé silver. The following decoration is presented from top to bottom; The pommel, union shaped with a fluted center with lotus petal borders. The mid section is divided in five differently decorated segments showing lotus petal cartouches filled with foliage, two demonic masks accompanied by dragons, two segments with a complex design of foliage and finally a guard with typical Thai style cloudy lotus petals filled with floral motifs.
The blade:
Slightly curved, a single cutting edge which tapers towards the tip and a medial ridge on the spine. The blade features a chiseled fuller on both sides which are slightly faded due to maintenance. The tip profile is slightly rounded, which is identified as the ‘Hua lem’ or ‘Hua darb’ type. The blade is fitted with a probably later added scabbard consisting of two wooden slabs, held together with two silver plated copper fittings with a chiseled decoration of lotus petals and foliage. The scabbard is decorated with a fine woven, copper colored silk fabric.
Slightly curved, a single cutting edge which tapers towards the tip and a medial ridge on the spine. The blade features a chiseled fuller on both sides which are slightly faded due to maintenance. The tip profile is slightly rounded, which is identified as the ‘Hua lem’ or ‘Hua darb’ type. The blade is fitted with a probably later added scabbard consisting of two wooden slabs, held together with two silver plated copper fittings with a chiseled decoration of lotus petals and foliage. The scabbard is decorated with a fine woven, copper colored silk fabric.
Silver Thai Ayutthaya Dha
Condition
Very good condition, scabbard seems a later 19th century addition, which fits perfectly and features a very scarce type of fittings.
Dimensions
Hilt length: 25.5cm
Blade length: 56.7cm
Blade spine thickness: 8mm
Scabbard: 60.4cm
Scabbard: 60.4cm
Total length: 85.8cm
Weight
978g.
Comparable items
Provenance
Belgium collection
Literature
Photo Gallery Silver Thai Ayutthaya Dha
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