INDIA, THE DAGGER, 17TH CENTURY, THE SCABBARD MOUNTS, 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

The peshkabz (Persian, ‘fore-grip’) form is characterised by its T-section spine and straight blade tapering to a point. Although the form rarely appears in manuscript painting and is sometimes associated with the Pashtun of the Khyber Pass (Salam Kaoukji, Precious Indian Weapons, London, 2017, pp.255-56), by the late 18th century some very fine examples are recorded worn by rulers across India. Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan of Arcot and the Carnatic is depicted wearing a rock crystal peshkabz in a painting by Tilly Kettle, while Asaf al-Dawla, Nawab of Awadh, is depicted with a similar dagger by Johan Zoffany (Sotheby’s London, 25 May 2005, lot 72; British Library, London, F106). The extensive gem-setting and fine goldwork on the present peshkabz mark it as an exceptionally luxurious example. The work of the hilt, with the chased and engraved gold ground set with precious stones, relates to a ceremonial spoon in the Victoria and Albert Museum which is attributed to circa 1600 (IM.173-1910). In overall conceit it also bears some resemblance to a push dagger and sword in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait which are attributed between the late 16th and the second half of the 17th century (LNS 126 J ab, and 2220 J ab; Kaoukji, op.cit., pp. 34-37 and 300-302). The floral carving in the gold hilt, however, sets it apart as especially fine.