Interesting and unusual knife, opinions please!

[Ian]

Hi Detlef:

I was trying to track down your reference to the "Tak Province Mae Sot region." Those terms are not showing up using the search engine for this site. Perhaps you could let us know where that attribution comes from.

Ian.

[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

a very good friend of mine have visited this region (like many others) and have found that these bird head dha's coming from there, the one shown on the red background was once in his possession like some others in the same style.

Regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

Hi Detlef:

Thanks for that information. As far as the identification of the figure on the hilt, I wonder if it is a depiction of Hanuman from the Thai Ramakien. We had a discussion previously of how Hanuman is portrayed in the Thai version of the Ramayama here. The open mouth and canine teeth are common features in Hanuman's representation.

Ian

[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

very good hint and very obvious! This would also explain the "crown" he wearing. Thank you.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Have received the knife already some days ago. Sadly is the blade heavy and partly deep scratched from a previous owner by a grinder or something else, the tip of the blade was bended and the horn hilt is cracked in the back. The tip is straight again and I've started to repolish the blade on one side, it's possible but hard work. The blade seems to be laminated what let me think that the origin is South Thailand.
The deity hilt figure has no fangs so I don't think that it shows Hanuman. Soon as possible I will be able to show some better pictures but here a few fast taken ones which shows how badly the blade is scratched and some close ups from the hilt.

[Ian]

Thanks for the extra pics Detlef. I agree, definitely not the usual depiction of Hanuman in Thai work. There are, however, many other characters from the Thai version of the Ramayama that this figure might represent.

The prior abuse to the blade is unfortunate, but maybe reparable, and your usual restorer may be able to help with the crack to the hilt. I hope you can revive this old knife because it is unusual and seems to have been around for a while.

Ian.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks for the extra pics Detlef. I agree, definitely not the usual depiction of Hanuman in Thai work. There are, however, many other characters from the Thai version of the Ramayama that this figure might represent.

Thank you Ian. And agree with you that it will be one of the numerous characters of the Thai Ramayama figures, hopefully I will find out one day which one.

Originally Posted by Ian

The prior abuse to the blade is unfortunate, but maybe reparable, and your usual restorer may be able to help with the crack to the hilt. I hope you can revive this old knife because it is unusual and seems to have been around for a while.

My first concern will be the blade and I think that I am on a good way to let look it nice again. The seller is situated in Danmark so it was shipped direct to Germany but maybe I will send it one day to the States that he can do his skilled work on the handle to close the crack. Like you I think it's worth the effort.

Best regards,
Detlef