gold damascened kukri

John Powell · Nov 24, 2003

Another spectacular kukri from the V&A. While it has some Indian design charecteristics I would definitely say this is Nepali made.

The chiselled work on the furniture and ricasso is very fine while the gold damascene is like new and expertly done. The raised steel braid around the locket has the same blued surface as the base of the ricasso and elongated bolster. The ricasso design is a seperate piece folded over the blade.

Elephant ivory grip with a pommel cord of dyed woven silk and gold threads.

It is only 15 1/8" and no provision was made for back knives or a pouch. I would date this as late 18th or early 19th century.

Roadrunner · Nov 24, 2003

Wow. Thanks for sharing.

Rod Allen · Nov 25, 2003

Thank you JP for these very interesting Kukris, Will they feature in your book ?

t1mpani · Nov 25, 2003

Ah, another of those "untraditional" bent-backed khuks...
18th or 19th century you say?

John Powell · Nov 25, 2003

If you look at just the blade it's quite traditional. It's the grip shape and furniture that put this one over the top.

Who knows if all these kukris I'm presenting will go into the book. These photos aren't good enough for quality reproduction nor do I have permission to reproduce them.

etp777 · Nov 25, 2003

Absolutely stunning John. Thanks for sharing, as always.

spiraltwista · Nov 25, 2003

Wow!Another Beuty!

Can I ask John, What is it that identifies this as Nepalese not Indian?

Regards,
Spiral

Bill Martino · Nov 25, 2003

Holy Toledo. The reason John thinks this is a Nepalese version is because it has "made in Nepal" stamped on the far side. He is very good about picking up subtle clues like this.

t1mpani · Nov 25, 2003

I know it's traditional. I just think it's funny that some people seem to think that the bent-backed ones are just the kamis being lazy and not as correct as the fully curved ones (some other recent threads). I sure have seen a bunch of bent-backed ones in museums...