Lot 143
  • 143

A Mughal marine-ivory hilted dagger with ram's head, India, 18th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • marine ivory hilt, steel blade, gold and gemstones
the marine-ivory hilt carved in the form of a ram's head with a floral design at the base, set in the kundan technique with two eyes and a harness inlaid with rubies

Provenance

Baron Methuen, Corsham Court, Wiltshire, home of the Methuen-Campbell family, acquired by the family in the 19th century

Condition

In fairly good condition, some hairline cracks to marine ivory hilt, including some cracks with associated restoration, two small stones in ram's harness missing, some oxidisation to blade, although the stones are probably rubies (as viewed by the jewellery department), may include paste replacements, as viewed.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Stuart Cary Welch's close study of many animal figures in the Padhshanama reveals that the small number of daggers with animal hilts were reserved for the use of princes such as Dara Shikoh and Shah Shuja. While the number of daggers with animal hilts such as the present example increased during the early eighteenth century, these continued to function as indicators of a high rank and position at court (see Welch 1985, pp.257-58). The present example, which was meticulously carved in the form of a ram's head and set with a ruby-studded harness, would certainly have been intended for use in a noble circle.