Dagger with Yali Hilt
This opulent carved and jeweled dagger consists of an ivory carved hilt mounted on a straight, broad metal blade. The hilt takes the form of a mythical yali or vyala (leogryph or sometimes part lion, part elephant, part horse) which was an auspicious symbol in southern Indian architecture. The high quality, style of carving, inlaid jewels and opulent details of thIs dagger reveal that it is a royal object made for courtly or ceremonial use. Its inscriptions show evidence of having been in the armory of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III (1794–1868) of Mysore and then entering British ownership.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dagger with Yali Hilt
- Date: 1800–1850
- Geography: Attributed to Southern India, Mysore or wider Madurai region
- Medium: Hilt: Ivory; carved and inlaid with glass, ruby, spinel, and emerald
Blade: Steel - Dimensions: Overall: L. 14 3/8 in. (36.6 cm)
W. 2 11/16 in. (6.9 cm)
D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Hilt: L. 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm)
W. 2 11/16 in. (6.9 cm)
D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Blade: L. 9 3/16 in. (23.4 cm)
W. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
D. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) - Classification: Arms and Armor
- Credit Line: Gift of Amy G. and Robert L. Poster, in honor of Sheila R. Canby, 2022
- Object Number: 2022.464
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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second half 16th century
17th century
ca. 1640
ca. 1640
18th–19th century
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