A Mughal Horse-Form Jade Hilted Dagger, India, Circa 18th Century

A Mughal Horse-Form Jade Hilted Dagger, India, Circa 18th Century

the slightly curved double-edged watered steel blade with central ridge, the gold overlay at the forte with inscription, the hilt of jade with pommel carved in the form of a horse's head with gold inlay set with coloured gems in a stylised lotus form. 42.5cm. Estimate 20,000—25,000 GBP

NOTE: inscriptions

The Basmala followed by the surah al-Fath (XLVIII), 1.

The grip of this hilt is carved with grooves for the hand. According to Stuart Cary Welch, these grooves indicate a date in the second half of the seventeenth century, as grooves are rarely found prior to this period. Welch's close study of many animal figures in the Padhshanama also reveals that the small number of daggers with animal hilts were reserved for the use of princes such as Dara Shikoh and Shah Shuja. While the number of daggers with animal hilts increased during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, these continued to function as indicators of the highest rank and position at court (see Welch 1985, pp.257-258).

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