Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic & Indian Arms and Armour

An Exceptional Mughal Walrus Ivory-Hilted Dagger in the form of a Horse, India, 17th Century

Restricted Species

Auction Closed

April 29, 12:32 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the double-edged recurved steel blade with central ridge and pair of unidentified ‘comma’-shaped marks towards the base of the blade, the hilt consisting of three finely-carved walrus ivory parts, the grip with characteristic striation along the throat towards the horse’s head pommel, the bridle finely carved and inlaid with gold, the base of the grip, guard, and connecting band with finely-carved, varied floral and vegetal pattern against a darkened ground, the velvet-covered wooden scabbard with brass mounts

42cm.

This lot contains walrus ivory, which is an endangered species. Sotheby’s recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid, as lots containing endangered species may be subject to import restrictions in certain countries or necessitate licenses and certificates for export from some and import into others. The possession of an export license or certificate does not guarantee obtaining its counterpart elsewhere. Buyers must ascertain and adhere to all applicable regulatory requirements regarding the import and export of such items before bidding, securing all necessary licenses and certificates at their expense. The inability to export or import these items, or their seizure by a government agency, does not justify delaying payment or cancelling a sale.

Wooley and Wallis, Salisbury, Wiltshire (UK), Medals & Coins, Arms and Militaria, 21 November 2018, lot 177

Philippe Missillier Collection no.174C

On 1 July 1619, Jahangir received from the Safavid ruler Shah ‘Abbas a letter accompanied by a dagger handle of black-striped striated tooth - walrus ivory - of which he wrote that “it was very valuable and nothing like it had been seen at court before, I liked it very much” (Wheeler M. Thackston (tr.), The Jahangirnama: Memoirs of Jahangir, Emperor of India, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, p.306). The present dagger, carved in the form of a horse following the fashion at the time, is among the earliest Mughal walrus ivory hilts and makes full use of the striation so treasured in the material. While such daggers are extremely rare, a more austerely carved example is now in the Furusiyya Art Foundation, Vaduz (inv. no.R-40, Bashir Mohamed, L’Art des chevaliers en pays d’Islam: Collection de la Furusiyya Art Foundation, Milan: Skira, 2007, p.199).