Kastane
Sri Lankan
Category
Arms and armour
Date
1800 - 1900
Materials
silver, gold, brass, steel & ebony
Measurements
680 mm (H); 100 mm (W); 35 mm (D)
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107305
Summary
The Kastane is the national sword of Sri Lanka. It has a pistol grip hilt, which is made from ebony with silver and gold inlay. The distinctive Kastane pommel is shaped into a mythical bird's head. The crossbar on one side turns into the knuckle guard which also has a similar but smaller head. There is a piece of decoratively engraved brass that lies under the languets so that the blade fits neatly into its hilt.
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
Makers and roles
Sri Lankan , maker