A dagger with gold-inlaid dark jade hilt and scabbard, Mughal, 17th/18th century

the dark green jade hilt with rounded pommel featuring an inlaid gold design of foliate fronds, with a slightly curved double-edged blade, velvet covered scabbard

In good condition, few very minor scuffs to hilt, very light scuffs to blade, scabbard, broken
"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."

Jades of an almost black colour such as on the present hilt were regarded as amongst the most prized types of jades. Two closely comparable examples are in the Furusiyya Art Foundation Collection, also notable for their use of a very dark jade against which the gold and gemstones stand out brightly (inv. nos.R-30 and R-29, published in Mohamed 2007, p.201, nos.190 & 191). The particular style of the inlaid gold leafy tendrils can be compared to a further jade dagger in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (see S. Markel and T.B. Gude et al, India's Fabled City: The Art of Courtly Lucknow, Los Angeles, 2010, p.221, no.33).