An Indian Jade-Hilted Peshkabz Dagger

India, circa 1700
Steel, gold overlay, jade and ruby
39cm long
Stock no.: A5330

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The sharply pointed, single-edged watered-steel blade is slightly recurved. The spine has a median ridge, and the elegant curve thatleads up to the spine reflects high quality craftsmanship.
The tang of the hilt is fully visible and decorated using the koftgari (gold overlay) technique with simple vegetal and floral motifs. A small metal ring is attached to the tang at the pommel.
This peshkabz is rare due to the hilt being made of jade, in contrast to ivory, which is commonly used as hilt material for this type of dagger. The pale green jade hilt has three carved flowers on each side of the grip. Two further carved flowers are on the base of the pommel. Each flower is inlaid with ruby in the centre.
Comparative material:
Royal Collection Trust (RCIN 11241), UK

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