Kora with scabbard

scratch · 25th May 2008, 12:52 PM

G'day,

I am hoping to receive some guidance regarding the age, origin and some of the attributes of this Kora.
It has a raised spine, which I believe indicates Nepalese construction?
The gold 8 petaled lotus design is created via the use of the Parasol motif, to my eye? Is this useful in attribution of origin?
Blade is watered/mechanical damascus, 22 in.
Weight is 3 pound.
Due to the skill of Blademaker shown, well balanced for weight and size, I think this is a fighting kora, as opposed to a sacrificial piece. Although I imagine it could be used in either role,

Direction and corrections are welcome.

Kind regards,

Dan

Battara · 25th May 2008, 08:20 PM

What a nice puppy. It looks Nepalese to me and even with mechanical damascus steel! Not Tibetan for sure...

BBJW · 25th May 2008, 10:59 PM

The elephant ear end of the blade indicates Indian origin. Circa 1820 or earlier is a guess. Scabbard is newer. Nice piece tho.

bbjw

scratch · 29th May 2008, 08:30 AM

G'day

Battara, BBJW, Thank you for your interest and thoughts!
I hope you are willing to share more. I have some questions.
What are the knowable elements that define whether a piece is of Nepalese, or Indian blade smithing tradition?(I under stand these terms are not precise as this region has provided for many different peoples/tribes/faiths).
Is there a established oldest referenced point of origin for kora and kukri?(congruent). Some temple reliefs I recall seeing on forum were interesting.
Fanciful Speculation!
This Kora was made for a member of the rajput court. A Royal?
For your consideration I would also like to exhibit a Kukri I also believe to be of Nepalese manufacture, for Rajput nobility, 1820's Anglo-Nepali war era surrender piece. The Tulwar/Kora/Kukri Hybrid grip is interesting?
In the hope of valuable facts and knowledge, I remain interested in a continuance of dialouge.A simplified Map and/or Timeline of the region would be wonderful. It is unlikely such items will come my way again.

Sincerely,

Scratch

scratch · 29th May 2008, 10:00 AM

Disc & Metal pics.

scratch · 29th May 2008, 03:09 PM

Could the Parasol be a mushroom? motif?

25th May 2008, 12:52 PM	#1
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	Kora with scabbard G'day, I am hoping to receive some guidance regarding the age, origin and some of the attributes of this Kora. It has a raised spine, which I believe indicates Nepalese construction? The gold 8 petaled lotus design is created via the use of the Parasol motif, to my eye? Is this useful in attribution of origin? Blade is watered/mechanical damascus, 22 in. Weight is 3 pound. Due to the skill of Blademaker shown, well balanced for weight and size, I think this is a fighting kora, as opposed to a sacrificial piece. Although I imagine it could be used in either role, Direction and corrections are welcome. Kind regards, Dan Attached Images

25th May 2008, 10:59 PM	#3
BBJW Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 230	Indian kora The elephant ear end of the blade indicates Indian origin. Circa 1820 or earlier is a guess. Scabbard is newer. Nice piece tho. bbjw

29th May 2008, 08:30 AM	#4
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	G'day Battara, BBJW, Thank you for your interest and thoughts! I hope you are willing to share more. I have some questions. What are the knowable elements that define whether a piece is of Nepalese, or Indian blade smithing tradition?(I under stand these terms are not precise as this region has provided for many different peoples/tribes/faiths). Is there a established oldest referenced point of origin for kora and kukri?(congruent). Some temple reliefs I recall seeing on forum were interesting. Fanciful Speculation! This Kora was made for a member of the rajput court. A Royal? For your consideration I would also like to exhibit a Kukri I also believe to be of Nepalese manufacture, for Rajput nobility, 1820's Anglo-Nepali war era surrender piece. The Tulwar/Kora/Kukri Hybrid grip is interesting? In the hope of valuable facts and knowledge, I remain interested in a continuance of dialouge.A simplified Map and/or Timeline of the region would be wonderful. It is unlikely such items will come my way again. Sincerely, Scratch Attached Images

29th May 2008, 10:00 AM	#5
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	Disc & Metal pics. Attached Images

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25th May 2008, 08:20 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	What a nice puppy. It looks Nepalese to me and even with mechanical damascus steel! Not Tibetan for sure...

29th May 2008, 03:09 PM	#6
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	Could the Parasol be a mushroom? motif?