Mughal Jade hilted Khanjar
Price
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)