INDIAN MUGHAL STEEL WAR AXE WITH GOLD AND SILVER KOFTGARI DECORATION

Ca. AD 1700�1800 An Indian Mughal steel war axe of elaborate construction, featuring a long cylindrical steel haft surmounted by a multifunctional head comprising a broad crescent-shaped axe blade, an opposing recurved beak and a sharply pointed upper spike. The axe blade is richly embellished with gold and silver koftgari decoration, displaying intricate floral and vegetal scrollwork enclosed within geometric borders. The recurved beak is similarly decorated with a continuous foliate motif extending along its central section. The head is secured by a rectangular socket adorned with engraved ornamental patterns, while the upper spike features longitudinal decorative details. The steel haft terminates in a rounded finial and displays areas of wear, oxidation and dark patination. Size: 71.75mm 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:£1,000

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