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Lot Essay
The gemstones finely inlaid into the hard jade hilt of our dagger are a testament to the technical excellence and artistic expression of craftsmen in 18th century Mughal India. The delicate pale green of the jade is highlighted in contrast with the bright colours of the inlay. The gem-setting on the gold scabbard, possibly slightly later in date, compliments the impressive floral and foliate gem-set decoration arranged in a vertical alignment of gold tendrils.
The form of the hilt has also been associated with the Deccan. Two 17th century gem-set jade hilt daggers from the al-Sabah collection in Kuwait are of similar form to the current lot, the quillons with upturned tips and the curved pommel with a similarly-set floral motif and emanating tendrils (inv.no. LNS 115 J ab, LNS 69 HS ab; S.Kaoukji, Princely Indian Weapons and other Princely Accoutrements, London, 2017, cat.49 & 52, pp.154-155 & 160-161). However, the floral arrangements of the gemstones is closer in comparison to that seen on two 17th century Deccani gold sword hilts and fittings in the Collection (inv.no. LNS 2158 J a-c, LNS 126 J ab; Kaoukji, 2017, op. cit., cat.103 & 108, pp.287-89 & 300-302).
Similar examples of daggers with gem-set jade hilts were sold in these Rooms, 7 April 2011, lot 192; 26 April 2018, lot 135; and 25 June 2020, lot 89.
The form of the hilt has also been associated with the Deccan. Two 17th century gem-set jade hilt daggers from the al-Sabah collection in Kuwait are of similar form to the current lot, the quillons with upturned tips and the curved pommel with a similarly-set floral motif and emanating tendrils (inv.no. LNS 115 J ab, LNS 69 HS ab; S.Kaoukji, Princely Indian Weapons and other Princely Accoutrements, London, 2017, cat.49 & 52, pp.154-155 & 160-161). However, the floral arrangements of the gemstones is closer in comparison to that seen on two 17th century Deccani gold sword hilts and fittings in the Collection (inv.no. LNS 2158 J a-c, LNS 126 J ab; Kaoukji, 2017, op. cit., cat.103 & 108, pp.287-89 & 300-302).
Similar examples of daggers with gem-set jade hilts were sold in these Rooms, 7 April 2011, lot 192; 26 April 2018, lot 135; and 25 June 2020, lot 89.