Description

A small Bhutanese single-edged dagger with an acutely pointed, narrow blade.

The blade surfaces exhibit Himalayan hairpin forging lines. It is in the mirror bright polish that was favored by the Bhutanese, only interrupted at the edge from sharpening.

The wooden hilt is wrapped with silver wire that is held between two oval discs with ribbed edges. On top is a pierced silver pommel in typical Bhutanese style, with pierced decoration and parcel gilding. 

The pommel is full of tantric Buddhist symbolism. The three jewels on the front represent the Buddha, the dharma, and the sanga. On the back is the eight-spoked wheel of dharma. In the corners on the front and back cartouches are depicted some of the traditional Buddhist treasures like the conch shell and vase.

Scabbard

The scabbard is entirely clad in silver in the style of royal swords worn by kings, guards, and royal advisors of the Wangchuck dynasty. Usually, these are long swords, called patag and occasionally, shortswords or daggers are seen. This dagger represents the smallest iteration of this style I've seen to date.

The scabbard decor consists of a center decorated panel, worked in repousse and parcel gilded. The front shows the three jewels also seen on the pommel, flanked with four of the eight Buddhist treasures:

On the scabbard's front is also a gankyil. Somewhat similar to the tàijítú (太极图) or "yin-yang symbol" of Chinese philosophy, but consisting of three instead of two elements. It is often described as representing the three sacred jewels.

Condition

Good overall condition. Some of the usual dents and minor damage to the silver. No restorations or repairs.