Language: Nepali
Source: A 1931 dictionary

Description

Buṭṭā (बुट्टा) is the Nepali word for embroidery; braid; filigree work.1

Sir Ralph Lilley Turner's comparative dictionary of 1931 mentions the following types of buṭṭā work:

  • Bel-buṭṭā (बेल्-बुट्टा); Scroll-work on a khukri sheath.
     
  • Belahari buṭṭā (बेलहरि बुट्टा); Scroll-work on a khukri sheath.
     
  • Jire buṭṭā (जिरे बुट्टा); Fluted ornamentation (e.g. that on the silver of a khukri sheath). Jire means of or like cummin-seed.
     
  • Haikale buṭṭā (हैकले बुट्टा) a kind of ornamentation on a khukri handle like a succession of hooks.
     
  • Mākhe buṭṭā (माखे बुट्टा); Ornamentation consisting of lines of small dots. Mākhe means "pertaining to flies or like flies.
     
  • Sã̄gle buṭṭā (साँगले बुट्टा); Ornamentation in chains. Mākhe means "pertaining to flies or like flies.

 

Nepalese quill embroidery

Fine Nepalese embroidery using strips of quill.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

 

Openwork on a large kothimora kukri

Filligree and openwork on a large kothimora khukurī.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

 

Notes
1. Sir Ralph Lilley Turner; A comparative and etymological dictionary of the Nepali language. London: K. Paul, Trench, Trubner, 1931.

Do you have anything for sale?

I might be interested in buying it.

Contact me

With a very fine Nepalese blade, but kard-like hilt and scabbard.

€3500,-

Early type with very shallow notch in the blade and little flare in the pommel.

€2750,-

Unusual example with hilts carved in lionesque heads.

€850,-

The pierced silver mounts with parcel gilding and red velvet backing.

€775,-

20th century military khukurī with many different tools in ots back pocket.

€650,-

Simple piece with a beautiful blade profile.

€650,-