Shan Burmese Dagger

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

This short sword is particularly notable for its fine condition and its 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 swirled geometric motifs. The chape is unadorned and flares slightly at its end. The single-edged steel blade fits snugly into the scabbard.

The handle comprises a short segment of silver decorated with further silver filigree bands and a short piece of thick 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.