Knights in Central Park | Explore & Learn | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Among the most splendid objects produced by Islamic metalworkers are the swords and daggers made for Ottoman and Mughal dynasty aristocrats. These weapons had precious jewels encrusted into hilts of jade, rock crystal, and ivory. They were created for ceremonial use and were usually given as gifts by rulers to a courtier or loyal warrior.

Saber, 19th century; Ottoman period; Turkish; steel, gold, diamonds, emeralds, pearls; L. 39 3/4 in. (101 cm); The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Giulia P. Morosini, in memory of her father, Giovanni P. Morosini, 1923 (23.232.2)

For most Islamic rulers, the ceremony of receiving a sword meant the same thing as receiving a crown. This saber, encrusted with gold, diamonds, and pearls, was probably made for a ruler of Turkey. Click the magnifying glass to get a closer look.

The wealthy and powerful Mughals controlled a large empire. We still call someone who is rich and powerful a “mogul,” which comes from the word “Mughal.”

Photograph Credits