Sword and scabbard 1800-75
Steel, gold, enamel and diamonds | 89.2 x 11.1 x 3.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11350
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A sword with a curved blade, and a solid gold enamelled hilt inlaid with diamonds arranged in a floral design. The pommel and ends of the cross-guard cast to resemble cheetah or leopard heads. The wooden scabbard encased in gold, worked in repousse and chased with designs of birds and flowers.
The enamelled hilt suggests that the sword was made in Bikaner or Jaipur, Rajasthan, two renowned centres in India for enamelling in red, blue and green. The blade also has a stamped mark usually associated with the Bikaner armoury. The scabbard was perhaps made by goldsmiths in Cutch, who produced vessels out of precious metals with similar ornamentation.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Pragmalji II Rao, Maharao of Cutch.
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Medium and techniques
Steel, gold, enamel and diamonds
Measurements
89.2 x 11.1 x 3.8 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
Shamshar and scabbard
Place of Production
Kutch [Gujarat]