- 136
A Mughal gem-set ivory horse head-hilted dagger, India, 17th century
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Ivory, metal, gemstones
the carved ivory hilt of horse-head form with flowing mane to one side, eyes and bridle set in the kundan technique with rubies, a row of turquoise stones set down the mane, finely carved floral design to base, the gently curved double-edged watered-steel blade with faint central ridge, gold-overlaid inscriptions at forte
Condition
In generally good condition, the ivory hilt with some hairline cracks, some encrustations around the carved and incised sections, the blade with some rubbing to gold overlay decoration and minor patches of oxidisation, 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
inscriptions
On the blade, on both sides, the names of four of the seven sleepers of Ephesus and their dog, an invocation to God, and the Arabic phrase: tawakkuli 'ala khaliqi ('My trust in is my Creator'). The other names of the seven sleepers are possibly concealed by the hilt.
Amongst the most personal objects in the possession of a Mughal prince or courtier was his 'parade' or 'dress' dagger. By Jahangir's reign, edged weapons were no longer used exclusively for warfare; they had become great works of art in their own right, being carved from ivory or jade and decorated with enamel, precious metals and stones. Mughal princes, nobles and high officials were honoured regularly by the emperor with jewelled daggers, and those with animal hilts such as this example were reserved particularly for members of the highest rank and position at court.
On the blade, on both sides, the names of four of the seven sleepers of Ephesus and their dog, an invocation to God, and the Arabic phrase: tawakkuli 'ala khaliqi ('My trust in is my Creator'). The other names of the seven sleepers are possibly concealed by the hilt.
Amongst the most personal objects in the possession of a Mughal prince or courtier was his 'parade' or 'dress' dagger. By Jahangir's reign, edged weapons were no longer used exclusively for warfare; they had become great works of art in their own right, being carved from ivory or jade and decorated with enamel, precious metals and stones. Mughal princes, nobles and high officials were honoured regularly by the emperor with jewelled daggers, and those with animal hilts such as this example were reserved particularly for members of the highest rank and position at court.