- 316
A magnificent Mughal ruby- and emerald-set gold-hilted dagger, Deccan, India, 17th century, with 19th century scabbard
Description
Condition
"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
This very fine and rare gold-hilted dagger was probably made in the Deccan for the Mughal court. A stylistically similar seventeenth-century gold-hilted dagger is in the al-Sabah Collection (exhibited: Treasury of the World: Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals, London, 2001, no.13.10). The al-Sabah Collection dagger is similarly decorated in overlaid gold with a feathery leaf detailing to the forte and displays an analogous floral and foliate design set with jewels on the pommel.
A further related seventeenth-century gold-hilted dagger attributed to Hyderabad is in the Khalili Collection (exhibited: Heaven on Earth: Art from Islamic Lands, London, 2004, no.118; and, Splendeurs des Armes Orientales, Paris, 1988, no.157). The Khalili Collection dagger's hilt and scabbard mounts are adorned with an all-over lotus blossom pattern similar to the one found on the scabbard of the present piece.