A Jambiya Dagger with enamelled scabbard and hilt
Ottoman Turkey, 19th century
Watered-steel, copper and gold
50cm long
Stock no.: A5433
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Full Description
A Jambiya Dagger with enamelled scabbard and hilt
This jambiya dagger has a gently curving double-edged watered steel blade with median ridge. At the forte of the blade is damascened undulating vines ending in split palmettes. The enamelled waisted hilt and scabbard of copper are decorated with polychrome designs including cornucopia, scrolling foliate sprays, medallions with flowers and buildings in sky blue, light green and black on an indigo ground. The scabbard ends in an elegant golden chape. Measuring 50 cm long, this is a particularly large example among known jambiya daggers.
Late Ottoman enamels often show a strong European influence through the soft colour palette. The European influence on this dagger can be observed from the light green medallions depicting European architecture.