Dagger (Jambiya)

Unknown

ca. 1825–50 · Steel, ivory · Arms and Armor

While figural representations are uncommon in Islamic art outside of painting, human figures are regularly encountered in Iranian art from the Qajar period (1797–1925), which was strongly influenced by European models. The ivory grip of this dagger is carved with the figure of a Sufi mystic, who is identifiable from his pointed hat, staff topped with a hoopoe (an exotic bird mentioned in the Qur'an), and beggar’s bowl suspended on his arm. One of the carved inscriptions alludes to the weapon’s power: “The handle of your dagger is world-seizing.”

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1825–50

Medium

Steel, ivory

Culture

Iranian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

John Stoneacre Ellis Collection, Gift of Mrs. Ellis and Augustus Van Horne Ellis, 1896