Shan Burmese Dagger

Dagger (Dha Hmyaung) with Carved Ivory Hilt & Silver Mounts

This fine, curved short sword is in an excellent condition and has a superb patina. It is from the Shan people of eastern Burma. The scabbard is of wood encased in near-pure hammered sheet silver decorated with applied silver filigree in bands and in ribbons. The chape is unadorned and flares slightly at its end. The single-edged steel blade fits snugly into the scabbard.

The handle comprises a segment of silver decorated with further silver filigree bands and a thin piece of ivory.

The ivory, like the silver, has a wonderful patina suggesting significant age and use. Overall, this is a very pleasing example of a

dha hmyaung short sword or dagger. There are no losses and the excellent applied silver decoration is to both sides of the scabbard.