Lot 316
  • 316

A magnificent Mughal ruby- and emerald-set gold-hilted dagger, Deccan, India, 17th century, with 19th century scabbard

Estimate
80,000 - 100,000 USD
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Description

curved double-edged blade with central ridge and damascened floral decoration around the forte, the hilt of yellow gold with curved rounded pommel set with rubies and emeralds with rosette and floral motifs, the wood scabbard decorated with open-work gold of all-over vegetal and lotus blossom design terminating in a bud finial

Condition

minor abrasion to the chape, some damage to tip of scabbard, overall good condition, 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

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.