Dagger with Yali Hilt

Unknown

1800–1850 · Hilt: Ivory; carved and inlaid with glass, ruby, spinel, and emerald Blade: Steel · Islamic Art

This opulent carved and jeweled dagger consists of an ivory carved hilt mounted on a straight, broad metal blade. The hilt takes the form of a mythical yali or vyala (leogryph or sometimes part lion, part elephant, part horse) which was an auspicious symbol in southern Indian architecture. The high quality, style of carving, inlaid jewels and opulent details of thIs dagger reveal that it is a royal object made for courtly or ceremonial use. Its inscriptions show evidence of having been in the armory of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III (1794–1868) of Mysore and then entering British ownership.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1800–1850

Medium

Hilt: Ivory; carved and inlaid with glass, ruby, spinel, and emerald Blade: Steel

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Amy G. and Robert L. Poster, in honor of Sheila R. Canby, 2022