Yunnan Dha/Dao?

Ian · 12th July 2014, 05:04 AM

Thanks Philip. As always, erudite and concise.

The reason I noted that the guard on this sword was "clearly Chinese" is that there really is no alternative explanation. Traditional Burmese dha do not have guards, and the motifs on this one are not Burmese, Shan (Tai), Lanna, Lao or Cambodian--that only leaves a Chinese origin as a reasonable possibility.

Ian.

Nathaniel · 12th July 2014, 05:34 AM

Congratulations Emanuel on the beautiful piece. Very interesting and puzzling piece. insightful analysis by Ian and Philip. I must say I'm not clear on this piece either...Chinese Tai mix from along the Yunnan, Lao and Vietnamese borders??? I thought perhaps too it was Vietnamese....but after Ian and Philips comments it seems like more of a Chinese influenced/ inspired piece. The ferrule does reminds one somewhat of the hourglass/reflected lotus you see in Tai swords. The one old Tai pattern I can pick out is ///\\\///\\\///\\\ band on the pommel just above the follage.

Emanuel · 14th July 2014, 07:50 PM

Thank you gentlemen for the great comments.

The hump on the handle and the Chinese carving style are the main elements that made me consider a Chinese dao. The mix if features and the quality are what appealed to me.

Any more clues on the geometric motif? the alternating T mark?

I will post more pics after cleaning and etching the blade.

Regards,
Emanuel

12th July 2014, 05:34 AM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Congratulations Emanuel on the beautiful piece. Very interesting and puzzling piece. insightful analysis by Ian and Philip. I must say I'm not clear on this piece either...Chinese Tai mix from along the Yunnan, Lao and Vietnamese borders??? I thought perhaps too it was Vietnamese....but after Ian and Philips comments it seems like more of a Chinese influenced/ inspired piece. The ferrule does reminds one somewhat of the hourglass/reflected lotus you see in Tai swords. The one old Tai pattern I can pick out is ///\\\///\\\///\\\ band on the pommel just above the follage. Attached Images

12th July 2014, 05:04 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Thanks Philip. As always, erudite and concise. The reason I noted that the guard on this sword was "clearly Chinese" is that there really is no alternative explanation. Traditional Burmese dha do not have guards, and the motifs on this one are not Burmese, Shan (Tai), Lanna, Lao or Cambodian--that only leaves a Chinese origin as a reasonable possibility. Ian.

14th July 2014, 07:50 PM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Thank you gentlemen for the great comments. The hump on the handle and the Chinese carving style are the main elements that made me consider a Chinese dao. The mix if features and the quality are what appealed to me. Any more clues on the geometric motif? the alternating T mark? I will post more pics after cleaning and etching the blade. Regards, Emanuel