MUGHAL INDIA, LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY

In the eyes of the Mughals jade not only had an exotic appeal, imported as it generally was from East Turkestan, but it also allowed them to claim a connection with their Timurid forebears, who also collected it enthusiastically (Pedro Mourha Carlvaho, Gems and Jewels of Mughal India, Oxford, 2010, p.53). The hilt of this dagger differs from many examples because of the elongated form of the hilt. A fragmentary example of similar shape can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (634-1874). A further example, different in its decoration but similar in form, was sold by Sotheby's London, 3 October 2012, lot 223.