Mughal Jade hilted Khanjar

A jade hilted 'Khanjar' dagger with fine wootz blade and unusual revised hilt. India, Mughal Dominions, 17th or 18th century.

Details of this item

Price

On Request

Status

Available

Region

South Asia (India, Sri-Lanka)
(Deccan or Mughal Dominions)

Period

17th/18th century

Materials

Jade, Steel

Price

On Request

Status

Available

Region

South Asia (India, Sri-Lanka)

(Deccan or Mughal Dominions)

Period

17th/18th century

Materials

Jade, Steel

Description

The ‘khanjar’ is a type of dagger which originates in Persia and was widely adopted in most Islamic cultures. Besides its functional use, the ‘khanjar’ was also worn to indicate rank or social status. The more embellished, the higher the rank. Many Mughal rulers had a collection of ‘khanjar’ daggers with elaborately designs, precious materials such as jade, gold and gemstones.

The hilt:

Carved out of an elegant piece of nephrite jade. Forming an exquisitely carved pistol grip, depicting carved lily’s and acanthus leaves showing overturned foliage and tendrils. Many hilts, similar in quality and design are attributed to the mid 17th century according to Salam Kaoukji.

Blade:

Heavy and wide lozenge section in wonderful and fine Indian wootz (jahwar). reinforced tip. Riveted on the ricasso, to prevent the tang of the blade emerging in the stone hilt, a custom which was practiced already in the early 17th century. The blades edge was polished according to Indian aesthetics and the fullers are etched showing a fabulous and consistent wootz pattern.

Conclusion:

A very good example in its kind with an astonishing hilt and perfectly matching blade. The overal large size of the ‘khanjar’ makes it of very high ranked proportion.

Mughal Jade hilted Khanjar

Condition

Excellent condition

Dimensions

Hilt length: 13.5cm

Blade length: 25.5cm

Blade spine thickness: 14.3mm

Total length: 49cm

Weight

464g.

Comparable items

– The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York acc.nr.36.25.706

 

Provenance

Collection Jacques Barrère

Literature

– Precious Indian Weapons and other princely accoutrements, Thames & Hudson p.151 (very similar style carving of the hilt)

– Precious Indian Weapons and other princely accoutrements, Thames & Hudson p.169 (a similar riveting of the blade)