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1 of 253523 objects
Dagger and scabbard 1700 - 1875
Steel, gold, jade, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and velvet covered wood | 44.7 x 7.5 x 3.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11241
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A dagger or peshkabs with an associated watered crucible steel blade. The jade hilt and scabbard mounts inlaid with rubies, diamonds and emeralds arranged in a floral pattern and set using kundan (pure gold). Strips of highly refined gold, usually of 22 to 24 carats, are used to secure gemstones in gold and silver or in hardstone such as jade through pressure rather than heat. The process of setting stones using kundan is unique to the Indian subcontinent and is still practised by jewellers today. The jade locket has been detached from the red velvet covered wooden scabbard and stuck to the hilt.
In India, ornate jade hilted daggers inlaid with gemstones were exchanged at court or presented as tokens of favour by rulers.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Shivaji V Chhatrapati Narayana Rao, Raja of Kolhapur.
The Prince spent four months on the Indian subcontinent where he met over 90 rulers. He met the Raja of Kolhapur in Bombay, the first stop of his tour, during a reception. With each of the rulers the Prince met, he exchanged gifts and returned with an impressive collection of Indian objects. The Prince understood the importance of the gifts and organised for them to be exhibited in ten locations across Britain and Europe from 1876-1883. It appears that this dagger was not exhibited with the rest of the Prince's gifts as it was recorded in the inventory of works of art at Marlborough House and Sandringham House in 1877. -
Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Steel, gold, jade, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and velvet covered wood
Measurements
44.7 x 7.5 x 3.0 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
Peshkabz and scabbard
