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An Ottoman jade-hilted dagger with rare nielloed silver scabbard, Turkey, 16th century, later hilt and blade, dated 1220 AH/AD 1805-06
Estimate
40,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver, coral
comprising a hilt of pale green jade, finished with a ruby set in gold, the tapering watered-steel blade with flat back edge, the forte with gold-inlaid inscriptions in a lobed cartouche, the niello serrated mount depicts a figure, possibly the sultan, standing outside his palace with a bird of prey, the scabbard covered in crimson velvet, the locket and chape with niello scenes of the sultan, chased and engraved in high relief with an arabesque of tendrils, leaves and hatayi flowers on the reverse, terminating with dragon headed finial clasping a coral bead
Condition
In general good condition, some ware to velvet on scabbard, part of one small image on scabbard appears to have been deliberately rubbed, small chip to agate hilt, 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
On one side:
sultan selim han-i selis [sic. for salis] sene 1220
‘Sultan Salim Khan, the third, year 1220 (1805-06)’
On the other side:
In Turkish:
kabza-i teshire aldım seyf-i dünya'i
“I took the sword of the world in the grip of conquest”
The scabbard on the present dagger is particularly noteworthy and covered with a variety of interesting scenes, notably of leisure. A chiselled and gilt panel shows a seated lady with a cup and decanter on either side of her. Surrounding this, niello scenes depict the sultan engaged in various pursuits. On the obverse of the chape the sultan is enjoying the pleasures of one of his kadans within the outline of a pomegranate fruit. Further scenes on the chape show a figure observing a group of musicians from a balcony, while a large face appears in the foreground. Below this, a couple are seated in warm embrace as faces peep out at them and an elderly Sufi supporting his bent frame with a long staff.
For a similar scabbard in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, see Alexander 1992, p. 100.
On one side:
sultan selim han-i selis [sic. for salis] sene 1220
‘Sultan Salim Khan, the third, year 1220 (1805-06)’
On the other side:
In Turkish:
kabza-i teshire aldım seyf-i dünya'i
“I took the sword of the world in the grip of conquest”
The scabbard on the present dagger is particularly noteworthy and covered with a variety of interesting scenes, notably of leisure. A chiselled and gilt panel shows a seated lady with a cup and decanter on either side of her. Surrounding this, niello scenes depict the sultan engaged in various pursuits. On the obverse of the chape the sultan is enjoying the pleasures of one of his kadans within the outline of a pomegranate fruit. Further scenes on the chape show a figure observing a group of musicians from a balcony, while a large face appears in the foreground. Below this, a couple are seated in warm embrace as faces peep out at them and an elderly Sufi supporting his bent frame with a long staff.
For a similar scabbard in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, see Alexander 1992, p. 100.