This impressive, richly decorated Tibetan-Bhutanese belt dagger (Patag / Gri gu) dates from the late 19th or early 20th century and is an outstanding example of traditional metal art from the Himalayas.
The dagger measures 32 cm in the sheath and has a blade measuring 19.5 cm in length with a weight of 373 g. The scabbard and handle are made of finely chased white metal with intricately engraved Buddhist and floral patterns, including mythical creatures and stylized cloud ornaments, which often symbolize luck and protection.
The handle is artfully wrapped with twisted metal wire and finished with a typical lion's mask - a motif that is considered a symbol of strength and spiritual protection in Tibet and Bhutan. A wide yellow cloth band serves as a carrying strap, as was customary with traditional costume daggers.
Such daggers were carried in Tibet and Bhutan not only as tools, but also as status symbols and ritual objects.
Provenance: Swiss private collection
| age | Wrist circumference |
|
Newborn |
9 - 12 cm |
|
6 months - 3 years |
12 - 14 cm |
|
4 - 10 years |
14 - 15 cm |
|
Teenager, ladies (XS) |
15 - 16 cm |
|
Ladies (M) |
16 - 17 cm |
|
Ladies (XL) |
18 - 19 cm |
|
Men (M) |
18 - 20 cm |
|
Men (XL) |
21 - 22 cm |
| Ring size | Inner diameter | Inner circumference |
|
48 |
15,3 mm |
48 mm |
|
50 |
15.9 mm |
50 mm |
|
52 |
16.6 mm |
52 mm |
|
54 |
17.2 mm |
54 mm |
|
56 |
17.8 mm |
56 mm |
|
58 |
18.5 mm |
58 mm |
|
60 |
19.1 mm |
60 mm |
|
62 |
19.7 mm |
62 mm |
|
64 |
20.4 mm |
64 mm |
|
66 |
21.0 mm |
66 mm |
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