Tibetan Knife with Silver Mounts inset with Turquoise & Coral

This fine knife and sheaf or scabbard would have been worn by a nomad in eastern Tibet. It is one of the better examples of its type that we have seen.

The scabbard has a wood base over which leather and then prominent silver mounts have been laid. The knife hilt is similarly overlaid with copious silver.

The front of the knife and scabbard are inset with large coral and turquoise cabochons in high box settings, plus smaller cabochon stones. Each side of the scabbard also is decorated with a large turquoise cabochon in a particularly high setting. Both the knife hilt and scabbard are chased with animal (perhaps dog) motifs. Much of the edging is decorated with ‘pearled’ silver wire, a typically Tibetan decorative device.

The reverse of the hilt and scabbard is entirely enclosed with well-worn, silver sheet that has been decorated in a scrolling leaf motif.

The stones and quality of the metalwork mark this knife out as a fine piece so it would have been reserved for use during ceremonial occasions and festivals.

The short blade is of single-edged steel that comes to a point.

The knife has a superb patina; its significant age is obvious.