A SULTANATE STEEL SWORD, SOUTH INDIA, 15TH-16TH CENTURY

The short single-edged blade broadening toward the tip and double-curved, both faces with a shallow channel running along the broad edge, the simple forte with cusped edge terminating with a bulbous fluted ridge, traces of punched decoration, the circular quillon fringed with a narrow band of pierced cusps on the outer edge, the grip plain, the domical pommel with fluting and a knop-form finial, a series of circles around its base filled with black substance, the double-curved guard with a raised elongated dart motif rising from a cusped cartouche, the terminal in the form of a dragon or makara head with knop-form finial

In overall good condition, slight weathering and abrasion along the entire body of the sword. Some of the punched decoration along the circular quillon has been encrusted as a result. 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."

The complex shape of the blade has an organic sense, reminiscent of a leaf. Rawson discusses the widespread occurence of this blade type in its many variations, under the generic term 'kopis' (Rawson 1967, pp.129-131). It is a similarly formed sword that he proposes was used by Scipio and his cavalry in his conquering of Hannibal. Rawson continues to suggest a Roman source, in the early centuries A.D., for the form's appearance in the Deccan. Fanciful or otherwise, it was certainly present in India by the time of the writing of the A'in-i Akbari, written for the Emperor Akbar in 1589. An illustration in the copy of this work of 1610 in the British Library shows the form clearly (Elgood 2004, p.18).