Arts of the Islamic World & India

A Ottoman jewelled sword (kilij) and scabbard, Turkey, 19th century

Margin Scheme

Auction Closed

October 23, 01:24 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the gilded hilt, quillons and scabbard with chased and enamelled foliate decoration, set with foiled cabochon rubies and emeralds, the blade with chased and gilded military heraldry and foliate stems, suspension rings to scabbard

88cm.

Please note the metallic parts of the sword are gilded, and not gold as stated in the printed catalogue.

This striking sword is decorated in the style of sixteenth and seventieth century parade swords, with gilded mounts studded with gemstones. These lavish and vibrant pieces were often presented as diplomatic gifts by the Ottoman court, with many still preserved in European collections. See, for example, a sword gifted to Carl XI of Sweden (r.1660-97)in the Livrustkammaren, Stockholm (inv. no.CC BY-SA 3.0), published in Rivkin 2017, pp.204-5.