Is this a Cross Cultural Yunnan Dha?

CharlesS · 29th March 2015, 05:11 PM

I'd love more info on this fascinating dha/daab/dao sword. As a lover of cross cultural pieces, this strikes me as having both Burmese and Chinese influences, so I am suggesting it is Yunnan, but am open to other thoughts and input.

The silver work on the scabbard has both Chinese and Burmese influence. Note the fine filigree work on the fittings, and of course the dragon motif. The flowers appear to be set turquoise and corals(?). The tassel is original to the piece.

The blade is rather plain, showing some low contrast layering and a clear tempered edge.

When I first saw it I thought it could not be very old, but the silver was heavily and deeply patinated(see the fittings), and the faceted hilt and blade clearly show their age. Perhaps this is late 19th century to very early 20th century work?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Royston · 29th March 2015, 05:26 PM

A very nice sword Charles.

Certainly looks like coral and turquoise. Is there possibly a Tibetan influence as these are very popular there ? Or are they common in Yunnan as well ?

The hilt is an usual shape, not had one like that. Is it ivory ?

Regards
Roy

Sajen · 29th March 2015, 08:14 PM

Outstanding dha! Congrats Charles.

Would agree with you, Burmese/Yunnan dha. Here an example from the Macao exhebition for comparison: http://arscives.com/historysteel/images1/253-iag12.jpg

Regards,
Detlef

Battara · 29th March 2015, 08:44 PM

INCREDIBLE WORK!

The precision of the coral and turquoise is difficult work. Beautiful piece - never seen its like before. Looks like to me there is some patina where the silver and the ivory meet, which if true, suggests to me that the silver work has been there a long time.

Would love to examine this in person!

CharlesS · 29th March 2015, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Outstanding dha! Congrats Charles.

Would agree with you, Burmese/Yunnan dha. Here an example from the Macao exhebition for comparison: http://arscives.com/historysteel/images1/253-iag12.jpg

Regards,
Detlef

Thanks Detlef,

Funny thing is that ha was once mine and I sold it like a fool, but I believe the one you have shown us is much later than the one here.

Sajen · 29th March 2015, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Thanks Detlef,

Funny thing is that ha was once mine and I sold it like a fool, but I believe the one you have shown us is much later than the one here.

Judging from the pictures I would agree. But you have handled it so I believe that you are correct. But still think that it is good for comparison to show the same origin.

Regards,
Detlef

CharlesS · 29th March 2015, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Judging from the pictures I would agree. But you have handled it so I believe that you are correct. But still think that it is good for comparison to show the same origin.

Regards,
Detlef

Oh yes...apologies if I offended you...it is DEFINITELY a great comparison. The silver work looks like it could have been done by the same smith.

Sajen · 29th March 2015, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Oh yes...apologies if I offended you...it is DEFINITELY a great comparison. The silver work looks like it could have been done by the same smith.

Not the minimal offence taken!

Don't worry.

Ian · 31st March 2015, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Thanks Detlef,

Funny thing is that dha was once mine and I sold it like a fool, but I believe the one you have shown us is much later than the one here.

Charles:

I am grateful that you decided to part with it all those years ago.

The two dha are indeed similar and the silver work is very similar to some of the Shan style but with a distinctly Chinese flavor. The scalloped chape and toe pieces in particular show a strong Chinese influence. It is quite possible that this is another Husa dha, and it is perhaps relevant that the Husa swords are found to the north, in Assam and up to the Tibet border.

I particularly like the solid silver work on your new one and the ivory handle is well sculpted. Definitely a work of distinction.

Ian.

Andrew · 1st April 2015, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I'd love more info on this fascinating dha/daab/dao sword. As a lover of cross cultural pieces, this strikes me as having both Burmese and Chinese influences, so I am suggesting it is Yunnan, but am open to other thoughts and input.

The silver work on the scabbard has both Chinese and Burmese influence. Note the fine filigree work on the fittings, and of course the dragon motif. The flowers appear to be set turquoise and corals(?). The tassel is original to the piece.

The blade is rather plain, showing some low contrast layering and a clear tempered edge.

When I first saw it I thought it could not be very old, but the silver was heavily and deeply patinated(see the fittings), and the faceted hilt and blade clearly show their age. Perhaps this is late 19th century to very early 20th century work?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Wow. Just...wow.

Nathaniel · 5th April 2015, 08:46 PM

Wow! Thank you for sharing Charles! Man, just when you think you have seen it all...you see something like this! Fantastic! lovely silverwork with the dragon/ beast on the hanger on the scabbard...very different silverwork, lovely stones, coral and turquoise that certainly does remind you of Tibetan works...also the multi sided ivory handle is not as common...very nice!!! Tibetian, Chinese, Tai influences...not saying it's Husa, but some of the Tai smiths in these regions do make blades, even those commonly associated as Tibetian for trade...not hard to imagine as you also see some of the Tibetian style hairpain steel in some of the higher status blades that widen at the square tip and are usually called Kachin/Naga Dao with the open faced scabbard, wild cat jaw pendent and hour glass handle..... Awesome, awesome piece, Charles! I swear this man has a time machine, with the fantastic condition and unique pieces he finds!

29th March 2015, 05:11 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Is this a Cross Cultural Yunnan Dha? I'd love more info on this fascinating dha/daab/dao sword. As a lover of cross cultural pieces, this strikes me as having both Burmese and Chinese influences, so I am suggesting it is Yunnan, but am open to other thoughts and input. The silver work on the scabbard has both Chinese and Burmese influence. Note the fine filigree work on the fittings, and of course the dragon motif. The flowers appear to be set turquoise and corals(?). The tassel is original to the piece. The blade is rather plain, showing some low contrast layering and a clear tempered edge. When I first saw it I thought it could not be very old, but the silver was heavily and deeply patinated(see the fittings), and the faceted hilt and blade clearly show their age. Perhaps this is late 19th century to very early 20th century work? Thanks for any thoughts. Attached Images

29th March 2015, 05:26 PM	#2
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	A very nice sword Charles. Certainly looks like coral and turquoise. Is there possibly a Tibetan influence as these are very popular there ? Or are they common in Yunnan as well ? The hilt is an usual shape, not had one like that. Is it ivory ? Regards Roy

29th March 2015, 08:14 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Outstanding dha! Congrats Charles. Would agree with you, Burmese/Yunnan dha. Here an example from the Macao exhebition for comparison: http://arscives.com/historysteel/images1/253-iag12.jpg Regards, Detlef

29th March 2015, 08:44 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	INCREDIBLE WORK! The precision of the coral and turquoise is difficult work. Beautiful piece - never seen its like before. Looks like to me there is some patina where the silver and the ivory meet, which if true, suggests to me that the silver work has been there a long time. Would love to examine this in person!

5th April 2015, 08:46 PM	#11
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Wow! Thank you for sharing Charles! Man, just when you think you have seen it all...you see something like this! Fantastic! lovely silverwork with the dragon/ beast on the hanger on the scabbard...very different silverwork, lovely stones, coral and turquoise that certainly does remind you of Tibetan works...also the multi sided ivory handle is not as common...very nice!!! Tibetian, Chinese, Tai influences...not saying it's Husa, but some of the Tai smiths in these regions do make blades, even those commonly associated as Tibetian for trade...not hard to imagine as you also see some of the Tibetian style hairpain steel in some of the higher status blades that widen at the square tip and are usually called Kachin/Naga Dao with the open faced scabbard, wild cat jaw pendent and hour glass handle..... Awesome, awesome piece, Charles! I swear this man has a time machine, with the fantastic condition and unique pieces he finds!