MUGHAL INDIA, 17TH CENTURY

Details

A JADE HILTED GEM SET CRUTCH (ZAFAR TAKIEH)
Mughal India, 17th century
The arm rest of pale green jade, the ends set with gold and precious stones in floral meander, floral gold collar, probably added later, tapering square section steel blade, gold brocade covered sheath
21½ in. (54.5 cm.) long

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Lot Essay

Props such as this were used by Muslim mystics in meditation and are often seen in Mughal miniatures of sufi dervishes or rulers. The staff very often held a blade for the owner's protection, as here. The handle is curved to take the weight of the body under the shoulder, while the owner is seated on the ground.
The Indian Heritage, exhibition catalogue, V&A, 1982, p.118.

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