Interesting, Likely Chinese Inspired, Dha Double Knife

CharlesS · 15th January 2008, 12:35 AM

As a real lover of cross cultural pieces I could not pass up this double dha knife that I believe is heavily Chinese influenced. The set is 10 inches overall with the knives having 6 inch blades. The hilts are ivory, carved in fish motifs, and all the fittings are silver. Based on the size I assume this is a utility set, or perhaps a set of knives for a woman. The scabbard is three pieces, with a central panel running through the center as a divider for the knives similar to what is found in scabbards for Chinese double knives and swords.

kahnjar1 · 15th January 2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

As a real lover of cross cultural pieces I could not pass up this double dha knife that I believe is heavily Chinese influenced. The set is 10 inches overall with the knives having 6 inch blades. The hilts are ivory, carved in fish motifs, and all the fittings are silver. Based on the size I assume this is a utility set, or perhaps a set of knives for a woman. The scabbard is three pieces, with a central panel running through the center as a divider for the knives similar to what is found in scabbards for Chinese double knives and swords.

Very interesting piece. If it ever feels lonely for the company of other Dha knives, please PM me.
Regards Stuart

Andrew · 15th January 2008, 01:42 AM

Very interesting, Charles.

Of course, whenever we come across dha with obvious Chinese influence, it has become a knee-jerk reaction (of mine, anyway) to say "Yunan". In this case, I speculate this is a Burmese set, perhaps created for (or by) an ethnic Chinese.

Nick Wardigo · 24th January 2008, 02:40 AM

Beautiful set of knives, Chahles. You know how I love intricately-carved ivory handles, and these look like they're top notch.

I like the notion that these are Chinese-influenced. They remind me of Vietnamese double-kiem, but with the notable difference of that piece of wood in the scabbard that separates the blades. For some reason, every set of Vietnamese double-kiem (and, for that matter, double-knives) that I've seen lacks that separater, whereas Chinese double-swords and double-knives typically have it (although not always). I might also draw attention to the lack of pommels, which is something that distinguishes this set from Chinese AND Vietnamese knives, but clearly ties into its Burmese pettigree. A true hybrid. I don't think I've seen anything quite like them. Congratulations!

CharlesS · 25th January 2008, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the input Nick.

You bring up some interesting points.

Look forward to seein' y'all in Baltimore.....bless ya heart!

Mark · 25th January 2008, 05:12 PM

Very cool. I agree that these are truly Chinese-inspired Burmese and not on on fusion from Som China. Aside from their being double, the fittings are classic Burmese in form and decoration. What I have seen from Yunnan has recognizable Chinese motifs. Of course it could be that I only attribute to Yunnan pieces with Chinese motifs.

(Just kidding, I have seen pieces known to come from Yunnan).

15th January 2008, 12:35 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Interesting, Likely Chinese Inspired, Dha Double Knife As a real lover of cross cultural pieces I could not pass up this double dha knife that I believe is heavily Chinese influenced. The set is 10 inches overall with the knives having 6 inch blades. The hilts are ivory, carved in fish motifs, and all the fittings are silver. Based on the size I assume this is a utility set, or perhaps a set of knives for a woman. The scabbard is three pieces, with a central panel running through the center as a divider for the knives similar to what is found in scabbards for Chinese double knives and swords. Attached Images

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15th January 2008, 01:42 AM	#3
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Very interesting, Charles. Of course, whenever we come across dha with obvious Chinese influence, it has become a knee-jerk reaction (of mine, anyway) to say "Yunan". In this case, I speculate this is a Burmese set, perhaps created for (or by) an ethnic Chinese.

24th January 2008, 02:40 AM	#4
Nick Wardigo Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 54	Beautiful set of knives, Chahles. You know how I love intricately-carved ivory handles, and these look like they're top notch. I like the notion that these are Chinese-influenced. They remind me of Vietnamese double-kiem, but with the notable difference of that piece of wood in the scabbard that separates the blades. For some reason, every set of Vietnamese double-kiem (and, for that matter, double-knives) that I've seen lacks that separater, whereas Chinese double-swords and double-knives typically have it (although not always). I might also draw attention to the lack of pommels, which is something that distinguishes this set from Chinese AND Vietnamese knives, but clearly ties into its Burmese pettigree. A true hybrid. I don't think I've seen anything quite like them. Congratulations!

25th January 2008, 03:32 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Thanks for the input Nick. You bring up some interesting points. Look forward to seein' y'all in Baltimore.....bless ya heart!

25th January 2008, 05:12 PM	#6
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Very cool. I agree that these are truly Chinese-inspired Burmese and not on on fusion from Som China. Aside from their being double, the fittings are classic Burmese in form and decoration. What I have seen from Yunnan has recognizable Chinese motifs. Of course it could be that I only attribute to Yunnan pieces with Chinese motifs. (Just kidding, I have seen pieces known to come from Yunnan).