MUGHAL INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A GOLD-DAMASCENED PUSH DAGGER (KATAR)
MUGHAL INDIA, 19TH CENTURY
The hilt gold-damascened with alternating foliate cartouches, the cross-bars with suns and two elephants, the double-edged blade engraved with a cyprus tree, in green sheath with openwork steel mount, later tan leather outer case, minor tarnishing to blade, a small chip to the tip
17in. (43cm.) long

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Louise Broadhurst

lbroadhurst@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2603

Lot Essay

The handle and central grip of this katar are decorated with two elephants facing each other and two sun discs on either side. The elephant is the symbol of the god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, as well as the god of luck, protection and fortune. The sun represents the god Surya who exemplifies purity of soul, truth and stability. Both of these motifs are auspicious and talismanic symbols in Hinduism which are often seen depicted on the decorated surfaces of arms and armour.

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