Dagger (Khanjar) with Sheath

Unknown

late 18th century · Steel, nephrite, gold, emerald, ruby, wood, velvet · Arms and Armor

The hilt of this dagger has been attributed to the court workshops patronized by the nawab of Oudh at Lucknow, in northern India, in about 1785. Its form and decoration, however, were traditional in many courts in Mughal and Deccani states in the eighteenth century. The pale green nephrite jade hilt inlaid with rubies and emeralds is noteworthy for its delicacy and restraint.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th century

Medium

Steel, nephrite, gold, emerald, ruby, wood, velvet

Culture

Indian, possibly Lucknow

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935