REIGN OF S.M. EMPEROR THANH THAI (1889-1907). - Lot 73

REIGN OF S.M. EMPEROR THANH THAI (1889-1907). An Annamite mandarin's ceremonial saber known as a "guom", the bronze scabbard nielloed with silver and copper and decorated with three 800°/°° silver appliques embossed and chased in relief with the four sacred animals, the upper part of the scabbard inlaid with five characters in quadrangular reserves indicating that the saber was made during the Bingchen year corresponding to 1896. The lower part is decorated with foliage, vine shoots and gourds. The brass blade is incised with floral motifs, and the handle, also in nielloed bronze, ends in a pommel with a chimera's head from whose mouth the sword's curved hilt protrudes. Indochina, late 19th century. Length: 90 cm. Gross weight: 1274 g.