A LARGE SINGHALESE KNIFE (PIHA-KAETTA)

SRI LANKA, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

Details

A LARGE SINGHALESE KNIFE (PIHA-KAETTA)
SRI LANKA, 17TH/18TH CENTURY
The broad single-edged steel blade with double fullers along the back edge to the forte partly covered on each side with silver-inlaid brass panels partly pierced, cast and chased with dense foliate motifs, the silver-mounted carved ebony grips and silver pommel-cap held by brass pins and similarly worked with scrolling foliage, slightly rubbed, blade with traces of old corrosion
13.1/8in. (33.3cm.) long

Lot Essay

These elaborately decorated knives are usually the product of the Pattal-hatara (four workshops), the blades being supplied by smiths. This was a mainly hereditary corporation of the best craftsmen who worked exclusively for the king in Kandy. Originally there was only one pattala but this was subsequently divided into sections which included a Randaku pattala (golden sword armoury or workshop). As well as being worn by courtiers, these knives were given by the king to nobles and to the temples.

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