Sold
Central Asia, Southern India, Vijayanagara, ca. second half of the 16th century CE. A beautiful forged-iron katar (or push dagger) with a pair of slender, knob-adorned handles connected to parallel lateral hand guards, a large protective “hood,” an arching iron strap, and a tapering triangular blade. The hooded cover has a dramatically-raised midrib, peripheries decorated with faint lattice and segmented motifs, and a stylized cobra head finial projecting from the topmost portion. The elongated blade boasts sharpened edges leading to a thick point, and wonderful engraved patterns of curvilinear and concentric linear motifs are presented on both sides. A fabulous and deadly example of fine Indian weaponry! Size: 20.5″ W x 3.1″ H (52.1 cm x 7.9 cm).
For a similar example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 36.25.905: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31497
Condition: Fastening pin for iron strap missing. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, slight bending to overall form of blade and handle, minor nicks to blade edges, blade tip, handles, and hood, with fading to some finer details, and some light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and lovely oxidized patina throughout.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Boris Mussienko collection, Maryland, USA, acquired in the 1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
