Sword (Ral gri)

Unknown

17th–19th century · Iron, silver, gold, turquoise, wood, textile · Arms and Armor

This sword is a representative example of the most familiar Tibetan form, well made and of fairly good quality. The surface of the blade has a prominent hairpin pattern, an important characteristic of traditional Tibetan swords. The pattern consists of seven dark lines alternating with six light lines, caused by the repeated folding of two different types of iron, which were combined to make the blade during the forging process.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th–19th century

Medium

Iron, silver, gold, turquoise, wood, textile

Culture

Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935