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A Mughal gem-set jade horse-head dagger (khanjar), India, 18th/19th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Dagger
- 34.5cm.
Condition
In good general condition, some minor encrustation on jade horse head, some stones missing or replaced, patches of 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
The finely carved details on the horse's head demonstrate the naturalistic realism sought by Mughal craftsmen. Although dagger hilts were created in multiple animal forms, horses remained a particular favourite, and a number of examples are housed today in museum and private collections worldwide. The interest in the natural world was shared by many generations of Mughal emperors, starting with the founder of the dynasty, Babur (r. 1526-30), and cultivated by Jahangir (r.1605-27) and Shah Jahan (r. 1628-58). Stuart Cary Welch’s close study of many animal figures in the Padhshanama reveals that the small number of daggers with animal hilts were reserved for the use of princes such as Dara Shikoh and Shah Shuja, and occasionally official dignitaries. While the number of daggers with animal hilts increased during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, these continued to function as indicators of the highest rank and position at court (see Welch 1985, pp. 257-8).
The particularly expressive design of the present example is shared by another jade horse-head hilted dagger set with colourful gemstones in the Musée Guimet (Donation Jean et Krishna Riboud, inv. no. MA 6797, see Okada 2000, p.45).
The particularly expressive design of the present example is shared by another jade horse-head hilted dagger set with colourful gemstones in the Musée Guimet (Donation Jean et Krishna Riboud, inv. no. MA 6797, see Okada 2000, p.45).