Lovely Old Dha/Daab With Some Interesting Characteristics

[Philip]

Originally Posted by Ian

A comment also on the guard. Such multilobe, large discs are found on old Thai and Lao daab, and even some Cambodian daav. It's my belief, without much supporting evidence, that these were based on older Chinese designs that may have come via Yunnan of perhaps northern Vietnam (Cochin).

The materials and decorative technique seen on the motifs of the guard are clearly Vietnamese. Similar inlaid copper work is also seen on the hilt components of Vietnamese kiem (swords with straight double edged blades) and also on the scabbard fittings of some guom (sabers).