Mongolian Knife

This magnificent knife comes from the Daghur Province in Mongolia. Knives of this type were commonly used for cutting meat as well as for everyday tasks. Characteristic of the region, the handle is unique: composed of 105 layers of leather stacked to form a single, solid piece, it provides an exceptionally secure grip.

The blade is straight, with an edge that curves slightly toward the tip. A fuller runs along the blade, tapering toward the tip and following its overall shape. The sheath is made of wood covered with fine leather and adorned with silver and copper fittings, including a carrying ring. The reverse is decorated with two endless knot motifs, one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, representing infinite wisdom and the interconnectedness of all things.

A very similar example was acquired in Urga (present-day Ulaanbaatar) by Danish Lieutenant Kai Borgstrøm in 1926, during the Haslund Christensen expedition, who described it as a typical example of Mongolian craftsmanship. Henning Haslund-Christensen undertook several expeditions through the interior of Mongolia in the early 20th century.