Dha hmyaung for comment
 

Here another rather recent acquisition, a small dha hmyaung with neatly carved hilt, I think it's from bone instead of ivory. I think it's worth for sharing here for later reference. Like always all comments are very welcome.

I do so like these lovely knives. This is a great example, and I agree with the hilt being bone. The patina is lovely.

Another great fine Detlef!

Thank you Charles! :) And yes, I like them also. ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef,

That is a very nice example and the carving is well executed. Agree that the hilt is more likely bone than ivory, but hard to tell from the pictures. I associate this style of knife and sheath with the Golden Triangle area of Burma/Thailand/Yunnan, and there may well be some Shan influence in the nice silver sheath and ferrule. Would that be your assessment too?

Would you please list the dimensions of this one?

Cheers,

Ian

Of only do I like this, but I have heard that these were used by priests.

Check the Robert Hales’ book: huge collection of those with detailed decoding of the meanings.

Thank you Ian! :)

Yes, I agree with you complete.

Length complete is 9 1/2"
Blade alone 5 1/4"
inside scabbard it is 10 1/4"
thickness at the handle is 1/16"

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Jose,

no, this are not priest knives so far I know, priest knives always has talismanic scripts on the blade and/or handle.

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you Ariel! :)

Nice Tai Yai (Shan) knife. This type is popular as Ian mentions throughout the Golden Triangle. It's not a monk/priests knife, but more of a decorative personal knife. Even if you don't see engraved yantra on the knife, almost all knives are bless and may have tailsman on them, in them/ are themselves a tailsman for protection. The ivory carving is a fairly common seen motif of a demon holding two Naga's.

Thank you Nathaniel for the educated comment! Do you able to recognize the two critters on the sides of the handle?

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Detlef,

Happy to contribute ☺️. Sorry I didn’t see your comment until now. I am nonsure 100% sure but I would say these appear to be some sort of leapard/ spotted jungle cat due to the spots and tail. 🐆

Thank you again Nathaniel! :)

🙏🏼 No problem ☺️

Well in any case............I love it.............I want one............. :D

Hello Jose,
Keep your eyes open, I am sure you will get one by time! ;)
Regards,
Detlef