The chhatri or umbrella

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by rand

Hey Jens,

When you look at the wootz pattern of the blade, you see dark and light (black & silver) colors and lines. The black lines being similar to the cartography of a map showing the different levels of elevation. On the golden umbrella, you can also see darker lines that are mostly vertical. On the top right of the umbrella, there are some that are at and angle. Compare the dark lines of the blade to the dark lines of the umbrella. What is most obvious is the slanting top right lines that lines up perfectly on the gold and steel areas.

The camera collects data, that is light reflecting off the surface of the katars blade. My theory: In this example, there are slight variences in the wootz surface height from etching. And that when reflected off the gold surface, then give darker and lighter shades of gold, because of varying angled degrees of light bouncing back to the camera .

If this is true, it adds another dimension to wootz steel. This is where an opinion from a metallurgist that has study'd wootz would help.

"The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public."

George Jessel

rand

Great explanation Rand!

My metallurgy compehrension is about at 'Sesame street' level, so thank you for the excellent description of both the photographic and metallurgic factors.

[rand]

Battara,

You have a very beautiful sword. Would need a better quality image to be able to study it, but could determine if all the koftgari on blade was done with the same hand. Possibly a couple other thins too. These type things are best to study using a 10X microscope. Having said that, a great photo go's a long ways in giving clues of origen and quality.

Again, a beautiful sword.

rand