Prestige Dha Sword – Siam

Era: Mid-19th century, Rattanakosin period (around 1860), reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), era represented in the film "Anna and the King". Origin: Siam (now Thailand) Materials: Silver damask steel blade; repulsed solid silver frame and sheath; ivory handle Dimensions: Total length: approx. 103 cm

Description

Important dignitary dha saber, with a curved blade made of ancient steel, richly damasked with silver along the back, presenting a continuous undulating decoration. The frame and sheath are entirely sheathed with plates of massive silver pushed back and chiseled, organized in narrative registers separated by beaded and twisted friezes. The iconography is directly from the Ramakian, the Siamese version of the Rāmāyana, with the representation of Hanuman, the heroic ape god, depicted in motion in a dynamic posture characteristic of the Siamese royal art of the 19th century. Other panels show a stylized sacred architecture evoking royal temples, as well as a rich plant decoration of rinceaux and palmettes. The cylindrical handle is made of antique ivory, with natural age-related aging slits. It is adorned with pushed silver rings and ends with a bulbous knob with floral godrons. Two side suspension rings, forged separately, allowed ceremonial shoulder wear. The whole is distinguished by the exceptional quality of metal work, the depth of the repoussé, the stylistic coherence of all the elements and a homogeneous ancient patina, attesting to a weapon of representation intended for a high-ranking dignitary.

Prestigious dha sabers, with a pushed silver sheath richly decorated with narrative scenes and a silver damask blade, dated from the 19th century, are published in Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour - A Lifetime's Passion, Robert Hales, pl. 483-484,

P. 200. These examples have technical and stylistic characteristics directly comparable to those of the saber presented here.

See last two photos