Magnificent Sinhalese Portuguese Kastane Rhino Ceremonial Ceylon Sword 17th C

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About the Item

A magnificent 17th century Ceremonial Sri Lankan Kastane sword with Rhino handle and gold and silver Portuguese inlayed blade. A kasthane is a short traditional ceremonial or decorative single-edged Sri Lankan sword. The sword is featured in the Flag of Sri Lanka. The main aspect of this Kastane Hilts shows the central monster accompanied by supporting minor iconic forms and the peculiar guard arrangement incorporating Buddhist style Vajra quillons. The scabbard of this Kastane sword is made of Rhino horn and is decorated with brass, silver and gold. It is a testament to the skill of the traditional craftsmen operating in Sri Lankas ancient Royal Sword Workshops. The sword measures 75cm in length The Dutch East India Company (VOC or Vereenigde Oost-indische Compagnie in Dutch) regularly gifted swords to the Kandyan court as part of their strategy to protect their trading privileges. Many of these swords had the traditional Sinhalese decoration but with VOC-marked blades. From 1467 to 1818, Kandy was an independent kingdom in Ceylon—present-day Sri Lanka. In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Kandy was recognized for its outstanding metalwork and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, their fine metalworking came to an end when Kandy fell under British rule in the early 19th century. The kasthane served as symbols of rank and office, presented by the king to noblemen and local chieftains. The silver-mounted kasthane was reserved for the Adigar, the highest officials or feudal lords who also acted as ministers and governors. It also served as a diplomatic gift from the court to European visitors. It was a Sri Lankan tradition to wear the kasthane as a symbol of rank to mark ceremonial occasions. However, the sword type, with an animal-decorated hilt and curved blade, was of European origin. It has its roots in the European hunting swords that were widespread among officers from the 17th to the 18th centuries. The last 2 photos are of a Portrait of Colonel Alexander Popham in the mid 17th century using a Kasthane Sword. A museum piece.

Dimensions:
Height: 29.53 in (75 cm)Width: 3.15 in (8 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
Style:
Anglo-Indian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver,Hammered
Place of Origin:
Sri Lanka
Period:
17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1680
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU6578237748382