A superb Singhalese ruby-set gold,parcel-gilt silver and silver kasthane

A superb Singhalese ruby-set gold,parcel-gilt silver and silver kasthane

Sri Lanka (Ceylon), 18th century

The single-edged silver-gilt blade of curved form with octagonal grip, knuckle guard and quillons, the pommel in the form of a lion head, the s-shaped guard terminating in the head of a makara, the quillons terminating in four makara heads, the hilt and pommel inlaid with rubies, the wood scabbard clad entirely in silver and decorated in openwork repoussé with floral and foliate motifs and a raised gilt band with a single ruby-set floral motif, with four suspension rings, the chape terminating in a rounded finial with foliate motifs, accompanied by a metal stand

L. 69 cm

Part of the Indian Ocean collection.