Dagger Known As Pia-kaeta - Sri-lanka - 18th Century

DAGGER known as Pia-Kaeta
Sri-Lanka, 18th century 
Steel, ivory, copper alloy and gilded brass 
Total length: 29.3 cm
Blade length: 22 cm 

Dagger with a straight, single-edged steel blade, ending in a slightly bevelled point, decorated in etching and with a gilded brass inlaid gutter, incised with leafy palm motifs and engraved on the heel with large foliage scrolls within a cartouche, the back of the blade is also trimmed with a brass insert.  
The spindle is made of ivory plates with a red-orange patina, finely carved with scroll motifs organised in capitals, riveted three times, including two nails decorated with flowery rosettes cut in gilded metal. It ends in a ringed brass knob. 
The scabbard is made of two finely incised strips of wood.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 3621