A Mughal gem-set jade hilted dagger, India, circa 18th century

A Mughal gem-set jade hilted dagger, India, circa 18th century

the steel blade with flat back edge, the jade pistol grip of dark green stone with rounded pommel and scroll quillons, with flowering stems of inlaid gold set with gems. 40cm. Estimate 15,000—20,000 GBP

NOTE: By the late seventeenth century weapons were no longer only for warfare: they had become great works of art in their own right, being decorated with enamels, precious metals and stones. Mughal princes, nobles and high officials were honoured regularly by the emperor with daggers, knives and swords, which were worn as symbols of a wearer's status. A similar hilt to that of the present dagger sold in these rooms 9 April 2008, lot 246.

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World. 01 Apr 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's