An superb gem-set Mughal glass dagger
India, Deccan, 18th century
L. approx. 40 cm
This superb dagger has a dark, emerald-coloured green glass hilt, inlaid with high-carat and grade rubies and diamonds set in the kundan technique in floral patterns. It has a double-edged blade of very high quality and a wooden scabbard overlaid with original red velvet with a similar decorated chape and locket. Mughal glass is regarded as more treasured (and thus expensive) as any other material used in arms.
This dagger is most likely to have been produced in the Deccan or for a Deccani patron. The dark green glass, rubies and diamonds relates closely to the green enamelled objects produced in Hyderabad in the Deccan during the latter half of the 18th century. For other similarly decorated objects from Hyderabad from this period see a pair of gem-set and green enamelled parrots all formerly in the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad (Beijing 2018, p.242, no.154; Christie's New York, 19 June 2019, lot 140).
The distinctive floral gem-set decoration seen on the hilt, locket and chape closely compares with an 18th century dagger from the Powis Collection that was listed in the inventory of Lord Clive's collection in 1766, 1774 and 1775 (see Archer 1987). See also a late seventeenth-century green enamelled dagger with similar decoration in the book by Hales (see Hales 2013).
The Al-Thani Collection in one of the most renowned and extensive private collections of art and artefacts in the world, including an exceptional array of weaponry. The collection is owned by the Al-Thani family, the ruling family of Qatar. According to their own words: ‘Encyclopaedic in its approach, and representing a diverse range of cultures and civilisations, this extraordinary collection celebrates creativity and the universal power of art through the ages.’
Provenance:
- Salabat Jung (1718-1751), Nizam of Hyderabad (possibly)
- Collection Davinder Toor, London
- The Al-Thani Collection, Paris
L. approx. 40 cm
This superb dagger has a dark, emerald-coloured green glass hilt, inlaid with high-carat and grade rubies and diamonds set in the kundan technique in floral patterns. It has a double-edged blade of very high quality and a wooden scabbard overlaid with original red velvet with a similar decorated chape and locket. Mughal glass is regarded as more treasured (and thus expensive) as any other material used in arms.
This dagger is most likely to have been produced in the Deccan or for a Deccani patron. The dark green glass, rubies and diamonds relates closely to the green enamelled objects produced in Hyderabad in the Deccan during the latter half of the 18th century. For other similarly decorated objects from Hyderabad from this period see a pair of gem-set and green enamelled parrots all formerly in the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad (Beijing 2018, p.242, no.154; Christie's New York, 19 June 2019, lot 140).
The distinctive floral gem-set decoration seen on the hilt, locket and chape closely compares with an 18th century dagger from the Powis Collection that was listed in the inventory of Lord Clive's collection in 1766, 1774 and 1775 (see Archer 1987). See also a late seventeenth-century green enamelled dagger with similar decoration in the book by Hales (see Hales 2013).
The Al-Thani Collection in one of the most renowned and extensive private collections of art and artefacts in the world, including an exceptional array of weaponry. The collection is owned by the Al-Thani family, the ruling family of Qatar. According to their own words: ‘Encyclopaedic in its approach, and representing a diverse range of cultures and civilisations, this extraordinary collection celebrates creativity and the universal power of art through the ages.’
Provenance:
- Salabat Jung (1718-1751), Nizam of Hyderabad (possibly)
- Collection Davinder Toor, London
- The Al-Thani Collection, Paris
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