- 225
A dervish crutch and scabbard with Mughal jade handle and Ottoman mounts, India and Turkey, 18th century
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- jade hande with silver-gilt mounts, set with gemstones (including rubies), steel blade, wood scabbard
the carved jade hilt mounted on each side with silver-gilt horse head terminals set with gemstone eyes and turquoise collars, with double-edged steel blade featuring gold overlay inscription and arabesque design on both sides, the silver-gilt scabbard decorated in repoussé with floral motifs within entwining archways, highlighted with colourful gemstones on each end
Provenance
Ex-collection Jean Casselman Wadds, an important Canadian politician and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (1979-83)
Condition
In overall good condition, gemstones include: beryl (emerald), turquoise, garnet and rubies with some glass replacements, some rubbing to metal, some light oxidisation to blade, 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
A couplet, split between the two sides of the blade:
'Bless this knife, O never-ending generosity!
Let no harm come to its owner, O Lord, in the course of his lifetime.'
This combination, containing both Mughal and Turkish elements, is to be expected, as dervish crutches (or zafar takieh 'cushion of victory') were typically used by Sufi and Hindu holy men, who would rest on them whilst meditating. The lavish ornamentation on the present piece points to a wealthy patronage, possibly intended as a gift or for the use of rulers or courtiers. When locked, the short blade remains concealed in its fine scabbard, but is readily available to its owner as a means of self-defence if threatened by an unexpected attack.
A similar dervish crutch, also composed of a Mughal jade handle and Ottoman mounts, sold in these rooms 1 April 2009, lot 184.
A couplet, split between the two sides of the blade:
'Bless this knife, O never-ending generosity!
Let no harm come to its owner, O Lord, in the course of his lifetime.'
This combination, containing both Mughal and Turkish elements, is to be expected, as dervish crutches (or zafar takieh 'cushion of victory') were typically used by Sufi and Hindu holy men, who would rest on them whilst meditating. The lavish ornamentation on the present piece points to a wealthy patronage, possibly intended as a gift or for the use of rulers or courtiers. When locked, the short blade remains concealed in its fine scabbard, but is readily available to its owner as a means of self-defence if threatened by an unexpected attack.
A similar dervish crutch, also composed of a Mughal jade handle and Ottoman mounts, sold in these rooms 1 April 2009, lot 184.