Yunnan Dha/Dao?

Philip · 11th July 2014, 11:05 PM

The asymmetrical grip (slight downward cant and a low "hump" on the upper side) is stylistically Chinese, I can't think of any SE Asian swords that have this feature. The guard is not necessarily Chinese, since most Chinese saber guards have a raised flange or moulding around the rim, unless they are quite thick to begin with. The metal pommel with its flattened, bun shaped extremity sitting on top of a cylindrical body looks more Burmese to me. A suggestion has been made that this weapon could be Vietnamese -- the possibility can't be discounted completely but in my experience, a hilt of this configuration coming from Vietnam would tend to either not have a metal pommel cap, or else have a lobed pommel vaguely reminiscent of that on a jian from China. In the former case (no metal), the end of the grip would either expand slightly if it were the downward-curving type, or else taper to a bullet-shaped terminus if it were the longer style that was straight or slightly upward-curving.

Ian · 12th July 2014, 05:04 AM

Thanks Philip. As always, erudite and concise.

The reason I noted that the guard on this sword was "clearly Chinese" is that there really is no alternative explanation. Traditional Burmese dha do not have guards, and the motifs on this one are not Burmese, Shan (Tai), Lanna, Lao or Cambodian--that only leaves a Chinese origin as a reasonable possibility.

Ian.

Nathaniel · 12th July 2014, 05:34 AM

Congratulations Emanuel on the beautiful piece. Very interesting and puzzling piece. insightful analysis by Ian and Philip. I must say I'm not clear on this piece either...Chinese Tai mix from along the Yunnan, Lao and Vietnamese borders??? I thought perhaps too it was Vietnamese....but after Ian and Philips comments it seems like more of a Chinese influenced/ inspired piece. The ferrule does reminds one somewhat of the hourglass/reflected lotus you see in Tai swords. The one old Tai pattern I can pick out is ///\\\///\\\///\\\ band on the pommel just above the follage.

Emanuel · 14th July 2014, 07:50 PM

Thank you gentlemen for the great comments.

The hump on the handle and the Chinese carving style are the main elements that made me consider a Chinese dao. The mix if features and the quality are what appealed to me.

Any more clues on the geometric motif? the alternating T mark?

I will post more pics after cleaning and etching the blade.

Regards,
Emanuel

11th July 2014, 11:05 PM	#1
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Chinese influence, probably north Burma origin The asymmetrical grip (slight downward cant and a low "hump" on the upper side) is stylistically Chinese, I can't think of any SE Asian swords that have this feature. The guard is not necessarily Chinese, since most Chinese saber guards have a raised flange or moulding around the rim, unless they are quite thick to begin with. The metal pommel with its flattened, bun shaped extremity sitting on top of a cylindrical body looks more Burmese to me. A suggestion has been made that this weapon could be Vietnamese -- the possibility can't be discounted completely but in my experience, a hilt of this configuration coming from Vietnam would tend to either not have a metal pommel cap, or else have a lobed pommel vaguely reminiscent of that on a jian from China. In the former case (no metal), the end of the grip would either expand slightly if it were the downward-curving type, or else taper to a bullet-shaped terminus if it were the longer style that was straight or slightly upward-curving.

12th July 2014, 05:34 AM	#3
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Congratulations Emanuel on the beautiful piece. Very interesting and puzzling piece. insightful analysis by Ian and Philip. I must say I'm not clear on this piece either...Chinese Tai mix from along the Yunnan, Lao and Vietnamese borders??? I thought perhaps too it was Vietnamese....but after Ian and Philips comments it seems like more of a Chinese influenced/ inspired piece. The ferrule does reminds one somewhat of the hourglass/reflected lotus you see in Tai swords. The one old Tai pattern I can pick out is ///\\\///\\\///\\\ band on the pommel just above the follage. Attached Images

12th July 2014, 05:04 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Thanks Philip. As always, erudite and concise. The reason I noted that the guard on this sword was "clearly Chinese" is that there really is no alternative explanation. Traditional Burmese dha do not have guards, and the motifs on this one are not Burmese, Shan (Tai), Lanna, Lao or Cambodian--that only leaves a Chinese origin as a reasonable possibility. Ian.

14th July 2014, 07:50 PM	#4
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Thank you gentlemen for the great comments. The hump on the handle and the Chinese carving style are the main elements that made me consider a Chinese dao. The mix if features and the quality are what appealed to me. Any more clues on the geometric motif? the alternating T mark? I will post more pics after cleaning and etching the blade. Regards, Emanuel