Bichwa for comment

[russel]

Hi Guys,

I picked up this Bichwa on eBay late last year, incorrectly listed as a Keris. I have wanted one of these for quite some time. I would appreciate thoughts and opinions about this, particularly if anyone could make a guess as to its age.

Cheesr - Russel

[russel]

Dimensions:
OAL 240mm
Blade 135mm
Thickness 2.4mm widening to 4.1mm

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Russel,
I have tried to make one of you pictures lighter, so it is easier to see the details.
Jens

[russel]

Thanks Jens, that makes the detail a lot clearer, I must start editing my images a little better.

[russel]

Bump

[russel]

I posted this a while ago, but it seems to have gone unnoticed. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Russel

[Oliver Pinchot]

Russel, a good close up or two of the floral motif and dentated borders on the grip will really help.

[estcrh]

Your bichwa and this one from Runjeet are very similar, to me they have the same blade attachment style as katar labeled as Tanjore. Runjeet described his as from the 17th or early 18th Century, and probably from the Deccan area of India.

[Oliver Pinchot]

It probably is comparable with Runjeet's example. Details of the decoration will make it possible to confirm it.

[russel]

Thanks guys, I'll try to post a few better images in the next few days.

[russel]

Here are a few more close-up shots.

[Oliver Pinchot]

Good pics, Russel. The motifs are well-chiseled, if worn.
Its origin and dating appear to be comparable with Runjeet's.

[russel]

Thanks guys,

Great to read your assessment. That makes this little beast almost certainly the oldest item in my collection! I was quite sure it had some age to it, but I imagined early 19th Century, I certainly didn't think it may be as old as 17th Century!

I have read that Bichwa fell out of favour and become somewhat uncommon, does anyone have any thoughts on what was the predominant period of use of these?

Thanks again,
Russel