South-East Asian sword with a Persian trade blade for discussion

Tatyana Dianova · 15th March 2018, 09:07 AM

This sword has definitely many stories to tell. It has a Wootz Persian blade that travelled really far from the origin and was finally mounted somewhere in South-East Asia. The blade is battered, with many nicks, old repair and a heavy rust damage.
The handle has a Malay Sundang form. Both the handle and the scabbard are painted with translucent lacquer. Can this sword originate from Malaysia? I think that lacquer design is the clew.

kai · 15th March 2018, 01:12 PM

Hello Tatyana,

Thanks for posting this wootz blade in Southeast Asian mounts!

Quote:

The handle has a Malay Sundang form. Both the handle and the scabbard are painted with translucent lacquer. Can this sword originate from Malaysia? I think that lacquer design is the clew.

Palembang was famous for similar lacquer work and certainly in line with heavy Chinese influence across eastern Sumatra, the Straits area, etc.

I hesitate to narrow down the pommel style. And the lacquer work does not seem to be old-style Palembang (nor Chinese/Japanese), too. The ferrule is very crudely done for what should be a status piece and the thin guard-like scabbard throat (rather than it being attached to the hilt and more sturdy) does raise an eye-brow: IMHO this ensemble is post-19th century, probably karmadikan.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 15th March 2018, 01:16 PM

P.S.: Any hints on provenance, Tatyana?

Norman McCormick · 15th March 2018, 09:20 PM

Hi Tatyana,
Unusual and interesting piece and yes if only these could talk and tell their stories. Here is my rather battered Persian trade blade of similar style for comparison.
My Regards,
Norman.

Tatyana Dianova · 15th March 2018, 09:38 PM

Thank you Kai for your comments and ideas! Yes, the fittings may be later than the blade, although they have some age.
The sword has no provenance. It was bought from the auction, with the blade heavily rusted. Please see the original pictures.

Tatyana Dianova · 15th March 2018, 09:40 PM

Norman, you have a great Persian sword that deserves a careful restoration!
The blade is in much better condition than mine was, and it will polish very well. All these trade blades have great Wootz pattern!

15th March 2018, 09:07 AM	#1
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 678	South-East Asian sword with a Persian trade blade for discussion This sword has definitely many stories to tell. It has a Wootz Persian blade that travelled really far from the origin and was finally mounted somewhere in South-East Asia. The blade is battered, with many nicks, old repair and a heavy rust damage. The handle has a Malay Sundang form. Both the handle and the scabbard are painted with translucent lacquer. Can this sword originate from Malaysia? I think that lacquer design is the clew. Attached Images

15th March 2018, 09:20 PM	#4
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	Hi Tatyana, Unusual and interesting piece and yes if only these could talk and tell their stories. Here is my rather battered Persian trade blade of similar style for comparison. My Regards, Norman. Attached Images

15th March 2018, 09:38 PM	#5
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 678	Thank you Kai for your comments and ideas! Yes, the fittings may be later than the blade, although they have some age. The sword has no provenance. It was bought from the auction, with the blade heavily rusted. Please see the original pictures. Attached Images

15th March 2018, 01:16 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,218	P.S.: Any hints on provenance, Tatyana?

15th March 2018, 09:40 PM	#6
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 678	Norman, you have a great Persian sword that deserves a careful restoration! The blade is in much better condition than mine was, and it will polish very well. All these trade blades have great Wootz pattern!