Lovely Beladah Belabang (Parang Nabur) That Needs Help with Arabic Translation

CharlesS · 5th January 2015, 06:16 PM

Here is a lovely old, I am assuming 19th century, Beladah Belabang(what we once called a parang nabur) of a quality I have not encountered before in these.

The heavy, thick blade is superbly forged with its fullers cut out for a decorative appearance. The blade is covered in gold koftgari of extremely high quality and features an Arabic cartouche on darkened steel on each side AND along the spine. I am hoping to get some help with translation of this cartouches. Thanks in advance for any help.

Note the hilt's horn is carved in a better than typical fashion with a lovely floral row on each side of the top and detailed floral pommel. The ferrule is quality silver and not much, if any, alloy.

While some of the gold koftgari floral motifs look quite Islamic, especially those surrounding the cartouches, there are other areas, notably at the forte and far end of the cartouches, that look more European in style to my eye. Also note the koftgari on the hilt knuckle bow...to me this looks very European. I am wondering what others think of this and if they agree.

This was a great Christmas surprise and I am thrilled to have it.

Constructive input is always appreciated.

drac2k · 5th January 2015, 06:32 PM

What an absolutely stunning piece ! Were you really that good last year to merit a Christmas present of that magnitude ???

CharlesS · 5th January 2015, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

What an absolutely stunning piece ! Were you really that good last year to merit a Christmas present of that magnitude ???

Good???...me???...oh yes!!!

fernando · 5th January 2015, 08:01 PM

What a fantabulous piece !!!

David · 5th January 2015, 08:14 PM

um....wow!

Iain · 5th January 2015, 08:49 PM

When do you start the museum.

Very nice piece, I always appreciate seeing the interesting pieces you have, sadly I can't comment on the specific questions you had but hopefully others will!

CharlesS · 12th January 2015, 08:08 PM

I have just been told that all the inscriptions, including the spine, are Qur'anic verses, but would still love a translation if possible.

5th January 2015, 06:16 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Lovely Beladah Belabang (Parang Nabur) That Needs Help with Arabic Translation Here is a lovely old, I am assuming 19th century, Beladah Belabang(what we once called a parang nabur) of a quality I have not encountered before in these. The heavy, thick blade is superbly forged with its fullers cut out for a decorative appearance. The blade is covered in gold koftgari of extremely high quality and features an Arabic cartouche on darkened steel on each side AND along the spine. I am hoping to get some help with translation of this cartouches. Thanks in advance for any help. Note the hilt's horn is carved in a better than typical fashion with a lovely floral row on each side of the top and detailed floral pommel. The ferrule is quality silver and not much, if any, alloy. While some of the gold koftgari floral motifs look quite Islamic, especially those surrounding the cartouches, there are other areas, notably at the forte and far end of the cartouches, that look more European in style to my eye. Also note the koftgari on the hilt knuckle bow...to me this looks very European. I am wondering what others think of this and if they agree. This was a great Christmas surprise and I am thrilled to have it. Constructive input is always appreciated. Attached Images Last edited by CharlesS; 5th January 2015 at 06:41 PM.

5th January 2015, 06:32 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	What an absolutely stunning piece ! Were you really that good last year to merit a Christmas present of that magnitude ???

5th January 2015, 08:01 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	What a fantabulous piece !!!

5th January 2015, 08:14 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,119	um....wow!

5th January 2015, 08:49 PM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	When do you start the museum. Very nice piece, I always appreciate seeing the interesting pieces you have, sadly I can't comment on the specific questions you had but hopefully others will!

12th January 2015, 08:08 PM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	I have just been told that all the inscriptions, including the spine, are Qur'anic verses, but would still love a translation if possible.