- 180
A steel push-dagger (katar), India, Deccan, 17th century
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- steel
Provenance
Ex-Bikaner Armoury, Rajasthan.
Condition
In good condition, very minor oxidisation near edges, 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 ‘push-dagger’ or katar had a design unique to South Asia intended to protect the hand and wrist of the attacker with its H-shaped hilt. It would be gripped at the hilt with a clenched fist in order to deliver a striking blow to the opponent at close range. Many Indian miniature paintings from the late sixteenth century onwards testify to its preponderance (see inv. no.IS.223-1960, IS.48:3/B-1956 and IS.30-1980 in the Victoria and Albert Museum). In these paintings, the katar is worn at the waist emphasising its decorative value as a status symbol for noblemen, as well as its role in weaponry. Richly adorned, jewelled katars would often be gifted from Indian courts as a mark of the prince’s praise (Haidar et al, 2014, p.43).
The drilled holes on the blade of this dagger are typical of the royal armoury of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Much of the arms and armour distributed from this centre were marked with numerals indicating the date on which they were taken as booty (Alexander 2015, p.46). Two closly comparable pieces currently remain in the Bikaner armoury as part of a larger collection of works taken at the siege of Adoni in 1786.
The drilled holes on the blade of this dagger are typical of the royal armoury of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Much of the arms and armour distributed from this centre were marked with numerals indicating the date on which they were taken as booty (Alexander 2015, p.46). Two closly comparable pieces currently remain in the Bikaner armoury as part of a larger collection of works taken at the siege of Adoni in 1786.