Thai daab/katana fusion

Mark · 20th August 2009, 02:35 PM

Here is an interesting example of the fusion between daab and nihon-to that was popular during the middle and late Ayutthaya Period. According to Khun Nattapat, Director of Research at the Thai National Museum (interview by Dan Wilke), as the popularity of Japanese swords increased, the Monarch required that they must show a Thai influence (i.e., Thai decorative features and motifs). This resulted not only in katana blades mounted in a Thai style, but blades such as this, which are purely Thai in manufacture yet display a distinct Japanese flavor. The grip is done with a pattern that somewhat abstractly depicts the kind of silk cord wrapping found on nihon-to. The grabang (guard) is larger than is typical, more like a Japanese tsuba. The handle has a slightly oval cross-section, not round as is more typical for daab, yet not as much as found on nihon-to. It has a neat demon/ogre face on the pommel cap. Interestingly, the blade profile is remarkably like that of a Chinese liuwei dao. The scabbard, while well-make, is a later replacement. The original would likely have had metal fittings en suite with the handle decoration.

My guess is that this is an 18th C sword.

Jim McDougall · 20th August 2009, 06:48 PM

Beautiful example! and fascinating topic Mark.
I have often wondered how closely the swords of Asia cross influenced, and this is a great illustration. The blade does resemble the willow leaf, and it seems that at certain times there were great numbers of Japanese swords brought into China, which brought, among other features, the discoid guard.

Those wavy lines seem to be an often seen motif on SE Asian swords. Is there any specific symbolism?

All best regards,
Jim

Battara · 21st August 2009, 01:38 AM

I agree - fascinating and lovely. I love the metal work on the handle.

DhaDha · 21st August 2009, 07:02 AM

Really, really nice. Really.

wilked aka Khun Deng · 21st August 2009, 07:49 AM

As Mark mentions there was quite the Japanese influence in Thailand. Should you get the chance check out the Grand Palace in Bangkok as you enter there is another section that will cost you few extra baht to enter, but well worth the investment. It house much of the Royal jewelry, arms and insignia. It was there through and interview with a guard that I learned about the different royal ranks and who could what (enamel, copper, silver, gold, jewels) on their accouterments. Apparently there were court rules that governed all of this - never did find a copy.

But you've got to stop by the armory - dha galore - and surprisingly keris also. But the one part that stuck in mind and has to do with what Mark is talking about here was a small sign near, what I thought was, a katana. Mentioned that in 1660 (I think) a Japanese merchant was elevated to the rank of Chao Praya (or one those ranks), the highest achieved by any foreigner after he raised 3000 troops (from within Thailand) to fight for the king in one of the wars.

That along with the fact that the Japanese used to trade blades for Thai rayskin, the Prince's sword is a Thai katana and I'm thinking that qualifies as significant Japanese influence

wilked aka Khun Deng · 21st August 2009, 07:50 AM

BTW Mark I've only seen these in a museum and the one you have - keep a watchful eye on that one my brother.

Mark · 21st August 2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilked aka Khun Deng

It was there through and interview with a guard that I learned about the different royal ranks and who could what (enamel, copper, silver, gold, jewels) on their accouterments. Apparently there were court rules that governed all of this - never did find a copy.

Did you learn any specifics about the number of bands on the scabbard? As I recall that reflected rank as well. I could never find more than passing reference to it, though.

HangPC2 · 26th October 2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark

Here is an interesting example of the fusion between daab and nihon-to that was popular during the middle and late Ayutthaya Period. According to Khun Nattapat, Director of Research at the Thai National Museum (interview by Dan Wilke), as the popularity of Japanese swords increased, the Monarch required that they must show a Thai influence (i.e., Thai decorative features and motifs). This resulted not only in katana blades mounted in a Thai style, but blades such as this, which are purely Thai in manufacture yet display a distinct Japanese flavor. The grip is done with a pattern that somewhat abstractly depicts the kind of silk cord wrapping found on nihon-to. The grabang (guard) is larger than is typical, more like a Japanese tsuba. The handle has a slightly oval cross-section, not round as is more typical for daab, yet not as much as found on nihon-to. It has a neat demon/ogre face on the pommel cap. Interestingly, the blade profile is remarkably like that of a Chinese liuwei dao. The scabbard, while well-make, is a later replacement. The original would likely have had metal fittings en suite with the handle decoration.

My guess is that this is an 18th C sword.

Sources : Kedah - Siam Invasion War (Kedah Blockade of 1838)

Nathaniel · 14th November 2009, 09:30 PM

Good Point HangPC2....

I think this symbol is also from the Kirithimukha (Face of Glory) origin from India

You see it in thai temples as well.

Also reminds me of the Chinese tiger shields:

Nathaniel · 28th January 2010, 03:29 AM

Pictures from my recent trip similar to DhaDha's another Thai Daab/Katana Fusion.

Nathaniel · 28th January 2010, 03:31 AM

Here are three that will make you all drool....from the Thai National Museum in Bangkok

Nathaniel · 28th January 2010, 03:39 AM

DhaDha · 1st February 2010, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Pictures from my recent trip similar to DhaDha's another Thai Daab/Katana Fusion.

Great shots! Thanks for posting these. Do you have any pics of the blade?
Cheers

Nathaniel · 1st February 2010, 03:57 AM

Here you go Shawn...it's not a clear shot...tricky with the reflection from the glass...the one similar to yours is the 7th one down from the top.

20th August 2009, 02:35 PM	#1
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Thai daab/katana fusion Here is an interesting example of the fusion between daab and nihon-to that was popular during the middle and late Ayutthaya Period. According to Khun Nattapat, Director of Research at the Thai National Museum (interview by Dan Wilke), as the popularity of Japanese swords increased, the Monarch required that they must show a Thai influence (i.e., Thai decorative features and motifs). This resulted not only in katana blades mounted in a Thai style, but blades such as this, which are purely Thai in manufacture yet display a distinct Japanese flavor. The grip is done with a pattern that somewhat abstractly depicts the kind of silk cord wrapping found on nihon-to. The grabang (guard) is larger than is typical, more like a Japanese tsuba. The handle has a slightly oval cross-section, not round as is more typical for daab, yet not as much as found on nihon-to. It has a neat demon/ogre face on the pommel cap. Interestingly, the blade profile is remarkably like that of a Chinese liuwei dao. The scabbard, while well-make, is a later replacement. The original would likely have had metal fittings en suite with the handle decoration. My guess is that this is an 18th C sword. Attached Images

21st August 2009, 07:49 AM	#5
wilked aka Khun Deng Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 166	Grand Palace As Mark mentions there was quite the Japanese influence in Thailand. Should you get the chance check out the Grand Palace in Bangkok as you enter there is another section that will cost you few extra baht to enter, but well worth the investment. It house much of the Royal jewelry, arms and insignia. It was there through and interview with a guard that I learned about the different royal ranks and who could what (enamel, copper, silver, gold, jewels) on their accouterments. Apparently there were court rules that governed all of this - never did find a copy. But you've got to stop by the armory - dha galore - and surprisingly keris also. But the one part that stuck in mind and has to do with what Mark is talking about here was a small sign near, what I thought was, a katana. Mentioned that in 1660 (I think) a Japanese merchant was elevated to the rank of Chao Praya (or one those ranks), the highest achieved by any foreigner after he raised 3000 troops (from within Thailand) to fight for the king in one of the wars. That along with the fact that the Japanese used to trade blades for Thai rayskin, the Prince's sword is a Thai katana and I'm thinking that qualifies as significant Japanese influence

21st August 2009, 07:50 AM	#6
wilked aka Khun Deng Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 166	BTW BTW Mark I've only seen these in a museum and the one you have - keep a watchful eye on that one my brother.

14th November 2009, 09:30 PM	#9
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Good Point HangPC2.... I think this symbol is also from the Kirithimukha (Face of Glory) origin from India You see it in thai temples as well. Also reminds me of the Chinese tiger shields: Last edited by Nathaniel; 14th November 2009 at 09:57 PM.

20th August 2009, 06:48 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,940	Beautiful example! and fascinating topic Mark. I have often wondered how closely the swords of Asia cross influenced, and this is a great illustration. The blade does resemble the willow leaf, and it seems that at certain times there were great numbers of Japanese swords brought into China, which brought, among other features, the discoid guard. Those wavy lines seem to be an often seen motif on SE Asian swords. Is there any specific symbolism? All best regards, Jim

21st August 2009, 01:38 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	I agree - fascinating and lovely. I love the metal work on the handle.

21st August 2009, 07:02 AM	#4
DhaDha Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 165	Really, really nice. Really.

28th January 2010, 03:29 AM	#10
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Pictures from my recent trip similar to DhaDha's another Thai Daab/Katana Fusion.

28th January 2010, 03:31 AM	#11
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Here are three that will make you all drool....from the Thai National Museum in Bangkok

28th January 2010, 03:39 AM	#12
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865

1st February 2010, 03:57 AM	#14
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Here you go Shawn...it's not a clear shot...tricky with the reflection from the glass...the one similar to yours is the 7th one down from the top.