Dagger with Scabbard

Unknown

1605–27 · Steel, iron, gold, rubies, emeralds, glass, wood, textile · Arms and Armor

The hilt of the dagger is constructed of heavy sections of gold over an iron core and its scabbard mounts are of solid gold. All the intricately engraved surfaces are set with gems and colored glass finely cut with floral forms. The designs closely parallel those in Mughal painting of the early seventeenth century, suggesting the dagger dates from the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605–27), whose deep love of nature, especially flowers, is well documented in his memoirs, the "Tuzuk." The blade is forged of watered steel.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1605–27

Medium

Steel, iron, gold, rubies, emeralds, glass, wood, textile

Culture

Indian, Mughal

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund and The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1984