Saber

Unknown

1522–66 · Steel, gold, fish skin, wood · Arms and Armor

This saber is fitted with one of the finest and best-preserved Islamic blades of the sixteenth century. Its gold-inlaid decoration consists of Qur'anic inscriptions that stress the sovereignty of God and the wisdom and power of his servant Solomon. These appear to be clever allusions to the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The equally opulent cross guard is chiseled in relief and damascened in gold, and was formerly inlaid with gems. The grip is a later replacement.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1522–66

Medium

Steel, gold, fish skin, wood

Culture

Turkish, probably Istanbul

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935