Matrices for Sword Mounts

Unknown

10th–11th century · Copper alloy · Arms and Armor

Bronze molds such as these were used to form the metal parts of a sword hilt and scabbard, usually made of the soft metals gold, silver, or copper. The three molds shown here are for the guard and the upper and lower scabbard mounts. The parts were formed in halves, then joined along the edges. The cross-shaped guard of the Nishapur sword exhibited nearby shows these joining seams.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th–11th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Iraqi or Iranian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and Anonymous Gift, 1980