Dagger
Unknown Artist
second half 17th century
Medium
Steel, iron, silver, copper alloy
Dimensions
H. 14 3/16 in. (36 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Wt. 12.8 oz. (362.9 g)
Classification
Daggers
Culture
Indian, Deccan
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, The Sulzberger Foundation Inc. Gift, 1994
Accession Number
1994.26
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite dagger from the Deccan of India, crafted in the second half of 17th century, the fusion of lethal functionality and opulent artistry in South Asian arms. Measuring 14 3/16 inches in height and weighing 12.8 ounces, it features a blade of steel and iron, enhanced with silver and copper alloy decorative embellishments. The lion motifs, a recurring tag associated with this piece, likely the hilt or guard, symbolizing power,, and royal authority—emblems deeply rooted in Indian iconography. Hailing from the Deccan Sultanates, such as Bijapur or Golconda, this dagger emerged during a...