Lot 94R,Y
A large gold damascened steel walrus ivory-hilted dagger (Kard) Persia, 18th Century
25 October 2021, 11:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£5,000 - £6,000
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A large gold damascened steel walrus ivory-hilted dagger (Kard)
Persia, 18th Century
Persia, 18th Century
the unusually large single-edged watered steel blade of tapering form with flattened spine, displaying the so-called Jacob's ladder pattern, hollowed round blade and armour piercing point, decorated in aftabi work to both sides near the forte with cartouches containing floral interlace, the handle with floral vines, the spine chiselled with further foliate cartouches, the hilt with walrus ivory grips
41.9 cm. long
41.9 cm. long
Footnotes
The finely watered steel blade exhibits the sought after Kirk Narduban or Jacob's ladder pattern characterised by transversely oriented distortions of the pattern called 'steps'. Carrying such a blade would be of particular significance to a Muslim warrior who would see the ladder as a symbolic vehicle for entry into paradise should he fall in battle. For a further discussion on the pattern see Leo S. Figiel, On Damascus Steel, Atlantis, 1991, pp. 70-71.
Important Notice to Buyers
Some countries e.g., the US, prohibit or restrict the purchase by its citizens (wherever located) and/or the import of certain types of Iranian-origin works. As a convenience to buyers, Bonhams has marked with the symbol R all lots of Iranian (Persian) origin. It is each buyer's responsibility to ensure that they do not bid or import a lot in contravention of the sanctions or trade embargoes that apply to them.