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Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt

second half 16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
Portraits of Sultan 'Ali 'Adil Shah of Bijapur (r. 1558–80) show him wearing daggers with zoomorphic hilts which combine Persian and Indian symbols of power. In this superlative, ruby-studded example, a dragon, whose tail wraps around the grip, attacks a lion, which in turn attacks a deer. Before the deer is a parrot-like bird with a snake in its beak, symbolism associated with the deity Garuda. Lower down on the hilt is the head of a yali, a mythical lion-like animal, with floral scrolls issuing from its mouth.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt
  • Date: second half 16th century
  • Geography: Attributed to India, Deccan, Bijapur or Golconda
  • Medium: Hilt: copper; cast, chased, gilded, and inlaid with rubies.
    Blade: steel; forged
  • Dimensions: H. 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm)
  • Classification: Arms and Armor
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.236
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

Audio

Cover Image for 1173. Kids: Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt

1173. Kids: Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt

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