A soldier in Bhutan has not a distinct profession. Every man is girt with a sword, and trained to the use of the bow. [...] The leaders only are on horseback, and are covered with a cap, rough with red-dyed cowtails, When they go to war or to an engagement, they whoop and howl to encourage each other and intimidate the enemy.", Narrative of the mission of George Bogle to Tibet, Clements R. Markham, 1876.
Bhutanese sword - Patag
Country of origin : Bhutan
Dating : Late 19th / Early 20th
Materials : Fabrics, Silver, Steel, Turquoise, Gold
provenance : François Hayem / Pierre et Claude Vérité
Total length : 86.0 cm
Blade length : 68.0 cm
Price : €
The Patag is the emblematic sword of the Kingdom of Bhutan, traditionally worn by warriors and officials as a symbol of honor and status. While it shares the characteristic hairpin-patterned blade typical of Himalayan swords, indicating its regional origin, the Patag is easily distinguishable from Tibetan counterparts through its distinctive fittings.
A Kazi wearing a Patag (P. et F. Donaldson, 1900)
Among its most notable features is the hexagonal pommel, typically crafted from silver, German silver, or iron, often engraved or pierced with intricate decorative motifs. It can be gold gilded or adorned by small turquoise or coral pieces The faceted hilt is usually wrapped in shagreen or in silver / brass wire, which may be braided or twisted. The scabbard is generally divided into three sections: the lower portion is commonly clad in silver, German silver, or brass, while the central and upper sections may be covered in metal sheeting, shagreen, or leather.
Several distinct types of Patag exist, each bearing a unique name, often ending in “–Chemn”, that reflects the specific combination of materials and embossed designs used in its construction. As previously noted, the style of Patag worn at the royal court served as a visual indicator of the rank or status of its bearer. Among the most iconic examples, that can be encountered on the Western Market, are the Churi Chemn (worn by the Royal family and High ranking officials) and the Hoshu Chemn.
The Hoshu Chemn is a relatively common type of Bhutanese sword. Its scabbard is composed of three sections: the upper part in red leather, the central part in black leather, and the lower section covered in silver.
Hoshu Chemn sword, formerly in my collection
The Churi Chemn, much rarer, features a scabbard entirely clad in silver. The central section is decorated with a “churi” pattern, a stylized, undulating repoussé motif, enhanced with floral and vine engravings.
Here is an example belonging to a particularly rare category of Patag, in which the central section of the scabbard is embossed with dragons among clouds or Singha/Singha (protective lions). 
These swords are attributed to the royal workshops and are predominantly held in Western collections and museums, including the Metropolitan Museum (n° 2014.281 a,b), the Marischal Museum (ABDUA: 61928), the Victoria & Albert Museum (n° IS.2:1,2-2007), and the Musée de l’Armée in Paris.
Patag with a central panel depicting a facing dragon (Metropolitan Museum of New-York, n° 2014.281)
The example at the Marischal Museum is known to have originated from the Younghusband expedition, which is notable for acquiring numerous Bhutanese and Tibetan artefacts.
The sword presented here is an outstanding example of its category. The repoussé work is exceptionally refined, depicting a frontal-facing dragon among swirling clouds, holding a conch shell (Dung-Dkar) in each claw. The conch, in Buddhist symbolism, represents power, authority, and sovereignty, as well as the truth of the Dharma.
The pommel is intricately carved, adorned with auspicious symbols such as the sacred jewel, lotus flowers, and the Dharma wheel. These motifs are further enriched with gilded details, while the sacred jewel is represented by a turquoise stone encircled by flames. In Buddhism, turquoise is a symbol of good health and fortune and is believed to ward off evil.
This piece is remarkably close in style and quality to the example preserved in the Musée de l’Armée and the Marischal Museum. Based on their provenance and stylistic features, it is generally accepted that these swords were produced in the late 19th or early 20th century, within the royal workshops of Bhutan.
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