Lot 254
  • 254

A Mughal jade-hilted dagger (khanjar) with scabbard, India, 18th century

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description

  • jade and steel
the jade hilt carved with five large mulberries at pommel, the external one with a diamond set in gold, carved throughout with floral palmettes, the knuckle-guard designed as a stem terminating in a lotus bud, double-edged watered-steel blade with central ridge and medallion with gold decoration and inscription, velvet-covered wood scabbard with matching jade mounts  

Literature

R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime's Passion, London, 2013, p.49, no.106.

Condition

In overall good condition, the jade hilt carved from one piece of jade, with small drill holes around edges presumably for fitting gold border, blade in good condition with very minor oxidization, velvet on scabbard worn and slightly torn in centre, some glue marks near edges where jade mounts were re-fitted, with box, 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

inscriptions

Undeciphered (possibly names)

A similar example, also with its surviving knuckle-guard (a rarity), is in the Al-Thani collection, London (Jaffer 2013, pp.186-7, no.52).