Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic & Indian Arms and Armour

Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic & Indian Arms and Armour

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 59. A Short Sword (Kastane), Sri Lanka, 17th-18th Century.

A Short Sword (Kastane), Sri Lanka, 17th-18th Century

UK: Greenford Park Warehouse

Auction Closed

April 29, 12:32 PM GMT

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the fullered steel blade set in dark horn hilt in form of a stylised lion, with further floral, monster and human motifs, the dark horn scabbard consisting of several parts decorated en-suite

70cm.

Philippe Missillier Collection no.133C

The form of the kastane is based on European prototypes, and many are fitted with European blades. However, the overall style and decoration is entirely Sinhalese, and swords of this type were worn as indicators of rank. They were made in various materials, including horn, as here, and in precious metals including silver. An example of the latter is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no.2016.426a-c). Another kastane with a hilt of various metals set with coloured paste is lot 58 in this sale.