Description:

South Asia, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, ca. late 18th to first half of 19th century CE. An impressive sword known as a kastane or kasthane, with a steel, single edge blade and ornate brass pommel. The blade is unadorned, and the short tang is riveted to the end of the brass handle. Two lion heads, which may represent the mythical serapendiya, curve outward toward the blade, forming a guard. A knuckle guard features additional serapendiya heads and a grimacing anthropomorphic face. The enormous pommel is formed by a kirtimukha monster head with an open mouth, jagged teeth, and a serpentine tongue. The entire surface of the handle is beautifully engraved with geometric and foliate motifs. Interestingly, these swords sometimes utilized Dutch or British blades but kept traditional Hindu and Sikh elements, such as these gorgeous hilts with mythical elements. A fine example! Size: 22.5" L x 3" W (57.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000; ex-Andy Garcia collection

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#162760

  • Condition: Heavy patina on blade and handle. Handle is well preserved with great details.

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March 11, 2021 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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