Smallsword
Decorated smallswords were an integral part of gentlemen's wardrobes throughout Western Europe in the eighteenth century, carried by stylish civilians and military officers alike. This example was made in India for export, probably by Indian craftsmen employed in workshops established and run by Europeans near Lucknow or Murshidabad. The hilt's form is European, but its quatrefoil shell and gold decoration, inlaid using a technique called koftgari that was a specialty of Indian armorers, are striking Indian contributions.
Artwork Details
- Title: Smallsword
- Date: possibly 1790
- Culture: hilt, possibly India; blade, possibly European
- Medium: Steel, gold, silver
- Dimensions: L. 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm); L. of blade 32 1/4 in. (81.9 cm); W. 5 in. (12.7 cm); D. 3 in. (7.6 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 1 oz. (481.9 g)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Gift of Jean Jacques Reubell, in memory of his mother, Julia C. Coster, and of his wife, Adeline E. Post, both of New York City, 1926
- Object Number: 26.145.337
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
1605–27
late 17th century
17th century
second half of the 17th century
dated A.H. 1042/1632–33 CE
Related Content
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.