Burmese Dha

Silver-Clad Dagger (Dha Hmyaung)

This fine, thin, pencil-like dagger has fine proportions and a wonderful patina. It is from the Shan people of eastern Burma. The tubular scabbard is of wood encased in near-pure hammered sheet silver decorated with a central band of applied silver filigree. The single-edged steel blade fits snugly into the scabbard.

The handle is also entirely cased in silver and is decorated with bands of plaited filigree wire, and a prominent and pleasing lotus-bud finial at the end, again encased entirely in silver.

Overall, this is a fine example of a

dha hmyaung short sword or dagger with clear signs of age and use.