A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-1
A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-2
A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-3
A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-4
A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-1A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-2A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-3A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century - image-4

Lot 28 Dα

A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century

Auction 1226 - overview Cologne
21.06.2023, 10:30 - Asian Art
Estimate: 2.000 € - 2.500 €
Result: 2.142 € (incl. premium)
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A Kandyan silver sword and scabbard (kasthane). Sri Lanka. Kandy period, 19th century

With a single-edged blade, the upper part clad in silver with chased and chiseled flowering scrolls, the hilt with a hexagonal grip ending in the head of a lion (simha) with protruding gilded eyes and ruby eye pupils, a wide-open mouth and a mane (tip chipped), the quillions and knucklebow ending in flame-spitting yali heads, the smaller cross guards swiping downward. The scabbard displaying scrollwork and large flowers on a punched ground. The chape probably an old restoration.
Length 66.5 cm

The kasthane, an elaborately silver-worked sword and scabbard, is a dress sword popular in the central Kandy kingdom and coastal areas. Used by Singhalese nobles at royal audiences and receptions at the VOC headquarter, they were also given as diplomatic gifts to European visitors. Thus, kasthane entered Europe already by the 17th century.

Provenance

From a Rhenish estate
Private collection, Southern Germany