A gem-set gold push-dagger or katar

India, 18th century

Inlaid with intricately carved emeralds adorning each outer edge, depicting delicate floral motifs in low relief, the entire hilt of this katar is decorated with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds set in gold. The watered steel blade thickens along the edges.

L. approx. 45 cm

The katar was popular throughout India. Also known as jamadhar (death tooth), they were used in close combat, their thick points indicating that they were designed to puncture armour. Gem-set gold katars such as this dagger were an indication of the wealth and status of the highest members of society; such katars are often represented on the personage of royalty and courtiers in 17th -19th century Indian miniatures.

Another example of another gem-set katar was sold at Christie’s in 2014. A further example of a katar with a gem-set hilt is in the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 3/1983).

Provenance:
- Collection Davinder Toor, London
- The Al-Thani Collection, Paris