Hilt of a Dagger

late 17th–early 18th century
Not on view
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

Object Information
  • 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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