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Saber

1522–66
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 379
This saber is fitted with one of the finest and best-preserved Islamic blades of the sixteenth century. Its gold-inlaid decoration consists of Qur'anic inscriptions that stress the sovereignty of God and the wisdom and power of his servant Solomon. These appear to be clever allusions to the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The equally opulent cross guard is chiseled in relief and damascened in gold, and was formerly inlaid with gems. The grip is a later replacement.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saber
  • Date: 1522–66
  • Geography: probably Istanbul
  • Culture: Turkish, probably Istanbul
  • Medium: Steel, gold, fish skin, wood
  • Dimensions: L. 37 7/8 in. (96.2 cm); L. of blade 30 3/4 in. (78.1 cm); W. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 5 oz. (1049 g)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.1297
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Helmet, Steel, iron, gold, silver, copper alloy, Turkish, probably Istanbul
Helmet
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Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66), Ahmed Tekelü possibly Iranian, Steel, gold, ivory (walrus), silver, turquoise, pearls, rubies, Turkish, Istanbul
Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66)
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ca. 1525–30
Pair of Leg Defenses (Greaves), Steel, iron, silver, gold, tin, leather, Turkish, Istanbul (?)
Pair of Leg Defenses (Greaves)
Turkish, Istanbul (?)
late 15th–early 16th century
Helmet, Steel, iron, gold, copper alloy, possibly Turkish, Istanbul, in the style of Turkman armor
Helmet
possibly Turkish, Istanbul, in the style of Turkman armor
ca. 1500–1525
Right Leg Defense (Greave), Steel, iron, silver, gold, tin, leather, Turkish, Istanbul (?)
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Turkish, Istanbul (?)
late 15th–early 16th century

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