INDIAN KHANJAR DAGGER WITH CARVED PALE HARDSTONE HILT AND GOLD KOFTGARI

Ca. AD 1800�1900 An Indian khanjar dagger featuring a curved steel blade tapering to a sharp point and formed with a pronounced medial ridge. The forte is embellished with finely executed gold koftgari ornament of scrolling foliate design, framing the upper section of the blade. The hilt is carved from a pale hardstone, possibly quartz, and is of characteristic pistol-grip form, terminating in a rounded scroll pommel decorated with a carved rosette and inset red stone. A floral motif in low relief ornaments the centre of the grip, while the guard extends into two elegant scroll terminals, each set with a small red cabochon. The surfaces display minor wear and light discolouration consistent with age. Size: 39.4mm Provenance: Private London collection; US art market, before 2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Estimate:£600

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