Dagger and scabbard

Typical of objects from the Himala-yan kingdom of Bhutan, this ornate dagger and scabbard are decorated with Buddhist symbols. The dagger has a tapering iron blade, while the silver hilt and pommel have an openwork design of Buddhist symbols among foliage. The wooden scabbard is covered with embossed leather, imported ray skin, and silver openwork consisting of animals and Buddhist symbols scattered in a foliated background. The type of silverwork employed here is described throughout the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau as Derge work, referring to the eastern Tibetan kingdom of Derge, known for metal artisanship of exceptional quality. Similar work is also done in the royal workshops of Bhutan. A sword of this quality would have belonged to someone of status. This sword is purported to have been a gift from Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan, who ruled from 1907 to 1926.