Imperial Knife with Sheath
This elegant knife was intended as a personal accessory for a member of the imperial court, rather than as a weapon. It is part of a group of several known examples, all of which are similar in shape, size, and richness, but with each having some differences, particularly in the style and decoration of the sheaths. The gilding of their blades is a distinctive and highly unusual feature; the steel beneath the gold is purposely roughened to create a mottled, naturalistic surface to contrast with the refined precision of the accompanying hilt and sheath. At the base of the spine of the blade, the Qianlong mark is inlaid in gold letters: Qianlong nian zhi (Made in the Qianlong reign). The decoration on the sheath imitates European gold and enamel work.
Artwork Details
- Title: Imperial Knife with Sheath
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: Chinese
- Medium: Steel, lapis lazuli, turquoise, pink stone, gold, enamel
- Dimensions: L. with sheath 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); L. without sheath 10 9/16 in. (26.8 cm); W. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm); Wt. 3.5 oz. (99.2 g); Wt. of sheath 4.9 oz. (138.9 g)
- Classification: Knives
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1960
- Object Number: 60.107a, b
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Tibetan or Mongolian
possibly 12th–14th century
On loan to The Met
Chinese
ca. 1736–95
Indian, Mughal
1605–27
Chinese
ca. 600
Tibetan or Chinese
14th–16th century
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