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Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2021.)
Dagger
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2021.)
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2021.)

Dagger

Date19th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumMetalwork/Watered steel with inset and enameled gold, inset gems, and silk
Dimensions16 5/8 x 3 5/8 x 1 1/8 in. (42.2 x 9.2 x 2.9 cm) a) 15 7/8 x 3 5/8 x 1 1/8 in.; b) 9 3/4 x 3 x 15/16 in.
ClassificationsMetalwork
Object number51.2a-b
DescriptionThis luxurious sheath is crafted from wood, covered with gold-brocaded silk, and inset with a wealth of rose-cut diamonds. It is an exquisite covering for the katar, rendering it fit for wear at court. Tucked into a silk sash or leather belt, the sheath would have been an ostentatious display-with the handle of the katar peeking out of the gem-crusted sheath. Any onlookers would have been reminded of the wearer’s bravery as well as his wealth.
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