Thai daab/katana fusion

HangPC2 · 26th October 2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark

Here is an interesting example of the fusion between daab and nihon-to that was popular during the middle and late Ayutthaya Period. According to Khun Nattapat, Director of Research at the Thai National Museum (interview by Dan Wilke), as the popularity of Japanese swords increased, the Monarch required that they must show a Thai influence (i.e., Thai decorative features and motifs). This resulted not only in katana blades mounted in a Thai style, but blades such as this, which are purely Thai in manufacture yet display a distinct Japanese flavor. The grip is done with a pattern that somewhat abstractly depicts the kind of silk cord wrapping found on nihon-to. The grabang (guard) is larger than is typical, more like a Japanese tsuba. The handle has a slightly oval cross-section, not round as is more typical for daab, yet not as much as found on nihon-to. It has a neat demon/ogre face on the pommel cap. Interestingly, the blade profile is remarkably like that of a Chinese liuwei dao. The scabbard, while well-make, is a later replacement. The original would likely have had metal fittings en suite with the handle decoration.

My guess is that this is an 18th C sword.

Sources : Kedah - Siam Invasion War (Kedah Blockade of 1838)

Nathaniel · 14th November 2009, 09:30 PM

Good Point HangPC2....

I think this symbol is also from the Kirithimukha (Face of Glory) origin from India

You see it in thai temples as well.

Also reminds me of the Chinese tiger shields:

Nathaniel · 28th January 2010, 03:29 AM

Pictures from my recent trip similar to DhaDha's another Thai Daab/Katana Fusion.

Nathaniel · 28th January 2010, 03:31 AM

Here are three that will make you all drool....from the Thai National Museum in Bangkok

Nathaniel · 28th January 2010, 03:39 AM

DhaDha · 1st February 2010, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Pictures from my recent trip similar to DhaDha's another Thai Daab/Katana Fusion.

Great shots! Thanks for posting these. Do you have any pics of the blade?
Cheers

Nathaniel · 1st February 2010, 03:57 AM

Here you go Shawn...it's not a clear shot...tricky with the reflection from the glass...the one similar to yours is the 7th one down from the top.

DhaDha · 1st February 2010, 04:40 AM

Great! Thanks.

14th November 2009, 09:30 PM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Good Point HangPC2.... I think this symbol is also from the Kirithimukha (Face of Glory) origin from India You see it in thai temples as well. Also reminds me of the Chinese tiger shields: Last edited by Nathaniel; 14th November 2009 at 09:57 PM.

28th January 2010, 03:29 AM	#3
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Pictures from my recent trip similar to DhaDha's another Thai Daab/Katana Fusion.

28th January 2010, 03:31 AM	#4
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Here are three that will make you all drool....from the Thai National Museum in Bangkok

28th January 2010, 03:39 AM	#5
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865

1st February 2010, 03:57 AM	#7
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Here you go Shawn...it's not a clear shot...tricky with the reflection from the glass...the one similar to yours is the 7th one down from the top.

1st February 2010, 04:40 AM	#8
DhaDha Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 178	Great! Thanks.