- 104
Ceremonial dagger Damascus steel blade with ivory hilt South India, Madurai
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- Ceremonial dagger
- Damascus steel blade with ivory hilt
- length 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm)
Provenance
Thirumalai Nayak, ruler of Madurai, 1623 - 1659
Spink & Son Ltd., London
Spink & Son Ltd., London
Condition
Good overall condition. Ivory handle with splits on both sides at the point of fixing to the blade, by means of ivory dowels. The ivory with minor losses throughout. The steel blade tarnished but stable and not rusting.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The superbly carved ceremonial dagger from the collection of Thirumalai Nayak, patron of the arts and ruler of Madurai from 1623-1659; the Damascas steel blade incised with mythical creatures and the gods Ganesha, Krishna, Skandha and Shiva Nataraja. The ivory hilt surmounted by a yali, or mythical lion, an ancient symbol of bravery associated with the ruling and warrior caste.
For a comparable carved ivory dagger, see Sotheby's, New York, 24 September 1997, lot 213; and also Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual, Chicago, 2004, p. 174.