Hilt of a Dagger
Horse-head dagger hilts are first depicted in paintings of the Padshahnama (Chronicle of the King of the World), about 1635, a manuscript documenting the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1628–58). As horses were highly prized in Mughal culture, it is not surprising that horse-head daggers were the most popular subject for zoomorphic hilts for several centuries. This example is notable for its sensitive carving of the horse’s head and mane.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hilt of a Dagger
- Date: late 17th–early 18th century
- Culture: Indian, Mughal
- Medium: Nephrite
- Dimensions: L. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 6 oz. (170.1 g)
- Classification: Daggers
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1915
- Object Number: 15.150.1
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Indian, Mughal
1605–27
Hilt, Indian, Mughal; blade, Turkish or Indian
late 17th century
Indian, Mughal
17th century
hilt, possibly India; blade, possibly European
possibly 1790
Indian, probably Deccan
mid-17th century
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