Sword

Unknown

9th century · Iron, wood, gilded bronze · Islamic Art

A surprise find from the Tepe Madrasa area, this is one of the earliest Islamic-period swords known from Iran. The sword has an iron blade and was adorned with gilt-bronze elements on the cross guard and quillon. Parts of its wooden scabbard remain fused to the blade, which also was decorated with gilt-bronze mounts at the center and tip. The form of this sword, with its straight, double-edged blade, seems to be a Central Asian type.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th century

Medium

Iron, wood, gilded bronze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1940