Dagger and scabbard early eighteenth century
Watered crucible steel, jade, lacquered wood, gold, diamonds and rubies | 36.5 x 10.6 x 1.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11450
-
A dagger or khanjar with a two edged recurved blade partially overlaid with gold. The hilt carved out of jade in the form of a horse's head inlaid with diamonds and rubies. The scabbard mounts are also of jade inlaid with gold and glass. The lacquered wooden scabbard is painted with floral decoration in gold. Dagger hilts carved to resemble Arabian horses were popular in the Mughal court from the mid-seventeenth century and were presented and exchanged as gifts or tokens of favour.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Mahbub Ali Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam was unable to meet the Prince during his tour and in his place sent his Prime Minister, Salar Jung I, to meet the Prince in Bombay.
-
Creator(s)
(nationality)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Watered crucible steel, jade, lacquered wood, gold, diamonds and rubies
Measurements
36.5 x 10.6 x 1.8 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
Khanjar and scabbard