Khanjar
Origin: India
Date: 19th century
Length: 43cm
Materials: Ivory, Gold, Steel and Cotton
Reference: TSWKD
Status: Available
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A quality Persian style Khanjar from the 19th century, complete with its original sheath. Bone and Ivory was ideal for Indo-Persian daggers and often preferred to other material for grip and because it was an easy material to work with, for carving and shaping. This hilt is formed of some form of Ivory, possibly Walrus ivory due to the colour and texture. Mounted with an extraordinary broad double edged blade with what seems to be a fine steel blade, curved in typical fashion of a Khanjar. The blade has a centred ridge leading to the armour piercing tip. Upon the forte of the blade is decorated with 'the tree of life' in gold koftgari. The tree of life is a fundamental widespread myth or archetype in many of the world's mythologies, religious and philosophical traditions. The "Tree of life' or 'Tree of Immortality" (Arabic: شجرة الخلود) is the tree of life motif as it appears in the Quran and is alluded to in hadiths and tafsir. The tree in Quran is used as an example for a concept, idea, way of life or code of life. The scabbard is original (slightly loose) and seems to be wrapped in cotton to replicate fish skin, with the top portion wrapped in a cloth and ends with a protective chape.
Overall, a fantastic weapon, in its original fabric over wood scabbard. An excellent addition for entry or seasoned collectors.
