- 212
A Fine Talpur Gem-Set Dagger (kard) dedicated to Sarkar Mir Shir Muhammad ibn Mir Fath Khan Talpur "the lion of Sindh" with Enamelled Gold scabbard, Sind, mid-19th century
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- enamel, gold, precious stone
the straight watered-steel blade with chiselled palmette on the straight edge near the forte with a gold overlay inscriptive cartouche, the gilt steel hilt with marine ivory facings, inlaid in the kundan technique with green and pink gemstones, the scabbard with polychrome enamel decoration featuring floral bouquets within lobed cartouches, with bands of floral scrolls and bud finial
Condition
In general good condition, top section of scabbard loose, some wear and chips to enamel decoration, particularly on loose top section, some of gold overlay decoration on hilt missing, scratches to marine ivory panels, the jewellery department examined the stones through their loop and identified them as foil-backed emeralds and rubies, 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."
"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
inscriptions
‘Sarkar Mir Shir Muhammad ibn Mir Fath Khan Talpur’
The famous Shir Muhammad (Sher Mohammad, d.1874 AD), known as ‘The Lion of Sindh’ was a son of Mir ‘Ali Murad.
This magnificent dagger, and the sword (lot 213), attest to the Talpur dynasty’s passion for arms and armour which was shared with the Persian courts. Both represent royal weapons produced for important historical figures which were created with the highest quality of workmanship. The Talpur dynasty, whose territories bordered the great empires of Persia and India, reflect the artistic traditions of both those geographical zones. Whereas lot 213 comprises a Persian blade, the Sind enamelling on both weapons relates to Persian royal enamelling of the same period; notably, Persian enamellers are recorded as working in the Talpur court in the nineteenth century. The Talpur rulers were renowned for their collection of fine arms, and Shir Muhammad, the ‘Lion of Sindh’, to whom this dagger is dedicated, is remembered for his stand against British General Charles Napier on the 24th of March 1843 at the battleground of Dubbo.
‘Sarkar Mir Shir Muhammad ibn Mir Fath Khan Talpur’
The famous Shir Muhammad (Sher Mohammad, d.1874 AD), known as ‘The Lion of Sindh’ was a son of Mir ‘Ali Murad.
This magnificent dagger, and the sword (lot 213), attest to the Talpur dynasty’s passion for arms and armour which was shared with the Persian courts. Both represent royal weapons produced for important historical figures which were created with the highest quality of workmanship. The Talpur dynasty, whose territories bordered the great empires of Persia and India, reflect the artistic traditions of both those geographical zones. Whereas lot 213 comprises a Persian blade, the Sind enamelling on both weapons relates to Persian royal enamelling of the same period; notably, Persian enamellers are recorded as working in the Talpur court in the nineteenth century. The Talpur rulers were renowned for their collection of fine arms, and Shir Muhammad, the ‘Lion of Sindh’, to whom this dagger is dedicated, is remembered for his stand against British General Charles Napier on the 24th of March 1843 at the battleground of Dubbo.