An Interesting Dha Dagger With a Snake (Naga) Bolster

CharlesS · 9th April 2013, 07:14 PM

This large, likely Burmese, dha dagger is a very heavy example and is 19in. overall, with a thick, wide, heavy blade of 10.5in. The hilt is ivory and is rather plainly carved by Burmese or Thai standards, with a beast(possibly Hanoman) rather simply carved into the end of the pommel.

Far more effort has gone into the unique bolster/guard which a very detailed snake coiled around it in brass. The details of the snake's scales are remarkable, especially towards the tail, with great effort made to keep the size and continuity of the scales very consistent.

VANDOO · 9th April 2013, 07:27 PM

A VERY INTERESTING DAGGER THE SNAKE REMINDS ME OF JAPANESE WORK I HAVE SEEN. PERHAPS A BIT OF CROSS POLLINATION BUT NOT NECESSARLY AS SNAKES ARE POPULAR IN ART AND LEGENDS WORLD WIDE. CONGRADULATIONS A NICE UNIQUE ONE.

Gavin Nugent · 9th April 2013, 07:40 PM

An interesting speimen Charles.

Funny thing is I just bought a Brit Naval sabre circa 1805 and is has a cross guard made in this manner, being a snake or snakes wrapping around forming a figure "8"...now whilst they are not related, I do wonder if this is Brit related/inspired rather than native Naga?

Gav

CharlesS · 9th April 2013, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

An interesting speimen Charles.

Funny thing is I just bought a Brit Naval sabre circa 1905 and is has a cross guard made in this manner, being a snake or snakes wrapping around forming a figure "8"...now whilst they are not related, I do wonder if this is Brit related/inspired rather than native Naga?

Gav

This seems so atypical of Burmese and Thai bolsters I can certainly see how the Brit sword might impact Burmese artisans. I think that is a possibility along with the possibility of a wealthy man just wanting something unique.
As I have said before...if only these things could talk...but in this case maybe that's NOT such a good idea. I have no use for conversational snakes outside of The Jungle Book!

Battara · 10th April 2013, 12:02 AM

What an interesting piece (boy you've been busy)!

Do you think the naga/snake on this piece is talismanic?

CharlesS · 10th April 2013, 12:20 AM

I am really not so sure about the snake being talismanic...were it Indonesian or Filipino I was lean toward "yes", but on Thai and Burmese pieces I am not aware of the use of snakes as much as talismanic reliefs...so here I lean towards "no", in favor of it being more of an artistic rendering on an otherwise big, but rather plain piece.

Andrew · 11th April 2013, 01:24 AM

Fantastic, Charles. Thanks for sharing this unusual example.

Nathaniel · 11th April 2013, 02:04 PM

Charles, I forgot to clarify a point and was kindly reminded as such...the snake at the hilt is a not a Phaya Naga/ Naga in the sense of the mythical snake in Buddhism. This type of Naga would have more of a dragon head, horns and could vary from one, three or five heads, the scales would also be like the scales of a fish as well...very different

9th April 2013, 07:14 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	An Interesting Dha Dagger With a Snake (Naga) Bolster This large, likely Burmese, dha dagger is a very heavy example and is 19in. overall, with a thick, wide, heavy blade of 10.5in. The hilt is ivory and is rather plainly carved by Burmese or Thai standards, with a beast(possibly Hanoman) rather simply carved into the end of the pommel. Far more effort has gone into the unique bolster/guard which a very detailed snake coiled around it in brass. The details of the snake's scales are remarkable, especially towards the tail, with great effort made to keep the size and continuity of the scales very consistent. Attached Images

9th April 2013, 07:40 PM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	An interesting speimen Charles. Funny thing is I just bought a Brit Naval sabre circa 1805 and is has a cross guard made in this manner, being a snake or snakes wrapping around forming a figure "8"...now whilst they are not related, I do wonder if this is Brit related/inspired rather than native Naga? Gav Last edited by freebooter; 10th April 2013 at 11:53 AM. Reason: wrong date

11th April 2013, 02:04 PM	#8
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Charles, I forgot to clarify a point and was kindly reminded as such...the snake at the hilt is a not a Phaya Naga/ Naga in the sense of the mythical snake in Buddhism. This type of Naga would have more of a dragon head, horns and could vary from one, three or five heads, the scales would also be like the scales of a fish as well...very different Attached Images

9th April 2013, 07:27 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	A VERY INTERESTING DAGGER THE SNAKE REMINDS ME OF JAPANESE WORK I HAVE SEEN. PERHAPS A BIT OF CROSS POLLINATION BUT NOT NECESSARLY AS SNAKES ARE POPULAR IN ART AND LEGENDS WORLD WIDE. CONGRADULATIONS A NICE UNIQUE ONE.

10th April 2013, 12:02 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,200	What an interesting piece (boy you've been busy)! Do you think the naga/snake on this piece is talismanic?

10th April 2013, 12:20 AM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	I am really not so sure about the snake being talismanic...were it Indonesian or Filipino I was lean toward "yes", but on Thai and Burmese pieces I am not aware of the use of snakes as much as talismanic reliefs...so here I lean towards "no", in favor of it being more of an artistic rendering on an otherwise big, but rather plain piece.

11th April 2013, 01:24 AM	#7
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Fantastic, Charles. Thanks for sharing this unusual example.