Kastane (sword)

Culture Sri Lankan (Ceylonese)

Cultureblade European

Date1700s

Mediumsteel, wood, brass, and silver

Dimensions70.5 × 56.5 cm (27 3/4 × 22 1/4 in.), 1 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.406

DescriptionSingle-edged, curved European blade, perhaps Dutch, inlaid with square brass floral panel forte on both faces. Iron guard, richly chiseled en suite with blade, with traces of silvering. Miniscule arms of the hilt formed by 2 makara heads touching blade. Short crossguard, rear 1 slightly curved towards grip terminating in makara head, forward 1 extends upwards as knuckle guard which recurves to terminate in yali or makara head.
ProvenancePurchased by Museum from American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (NYC), Macomber sale, December 10-12, 1936 (lot 186). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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