Dagger and scabbard 1800-75
Watered crucible steel, gold, ivory, wood, velvet, diamonds | 37.2 x 12.7 x 5.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11251
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A dagger or khanjar with a fluted two edged steel blade partially decorated with kuftkari work (overlaid gold wire) of floral pattering and below the hilt, with representations of the ten avatars of the Hindu god Vishnu. The ivory hilt embellished with a star and flowers studded with brilliant cut diamonds and the steel knuckleguard shaped to resemble a yali (elephant headed lion) and covered with gold. The knuckleguard also incised withwith eight seated figures, possibly vasus, the eight attendant dieties of Vishnu. Blue velvet covered wooden scabbard with chased gold mounts chased with floral motifs and bearing the Prince of Wales crest set with brilliant cut diamonds.
The addition of the Prince of Wales's feathers suggests that this dagger was specially adapted as a presentation gift for the Prince's tour. The cut of the diamonds on this dagger and scabbard and the chasing of the gold mounts suggest that they were imported from Europe or manufactured by a European jeweller.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Vijayarama III Gajapati Raju Pusapati, Maharaja of Vizianagaram.
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Medium and techniques
Watered crucible steel, gold, ivory, wood, velvet, diamonds
Measurements
37.2 x 12.7 x 5.0 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
Khanjar and scabbard