Gem-Inlaid Carved Jade Pesh-Kabz Knife
Date20th century
MediumJade, silver, gold, gemstones
DimensionsOverall: 2 x 7/8 x 13 3/4 in. (5.1 x 2.2 x 34.9cm)
ClassificationsHardstones
Object number41.41
DescriptionThis type of dagger, known as pesh-kabz, originated in Iran and was brought to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals. With a blade that tapers to a thin, triangular point, the pesh-kabz was adept at piercing and tearing chainmail armor during battle. Its hilt is made of pale green nephrite inset with gemstones forming floral sprays connected by thin gold wire stems. Jade was valued by the Mughals’ ancestors, the Timurids of Central Asia. They believed that jade brought victory in battle, and the material was often used in weaponry.On View
On viewCollections
19th century
19th century
19th - 20th century
19th - 20th century
