LARGE KHANJAR
Full Description:
The mounts of this large Ottoman dagger are decorated extensively with various patterns of floral decoration.
The hilt of this example is of typical form comprising a long slender grip and both pommel and handguard formed with two curved points (one side of the pommel showing minor damage). The hilt is encased entirely in gilt-silver which has been intricately chased and engraved throughout with a dense array of flowers and foliage on a finely punched ground. The scabbard is decorated mostly en suite with the hilt, though its central pattern of curving leaved branches and flowerheads is furthermore bordered by ornamental rows containing a pattern of smaller trefoil leaves. The scabbard is fitted at its end with a small chape decorated at its finial with a simple foliate motif.
The double-edged blade is forged of Turkish sham steel, exhibiting on its surface an effective pattern of gently waved lines and decorated along its forte in gold koftgari with curved and tapering panels of cascading leafy tendrils. The blade is further cut with a subtle medial ridge, curving and tapering gently along the final third of its length.