Rewa Dagger

84.6

Rewa Dagger

84.6

Description

The bejewelled dagger, a prized possession of nobility, was often worn ceremonially and was a sign of status at the durbar. Such daggers were not merely ceremonial but served as a real weapon for defence and attack in close combat. If you look at the blade, it is made of high-quality watered steel and can be lethal.
The pommel of the hilt is studded with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds forming a rose and creeper pattern on both sides. On either side of the quillon, there is a multi-petalled rose, studded with rubies and a diamond in the centre. The scabbard is covered with pink silk brocade and a decorative cape and locket to match the hilt.
The tassels at the end are made of a bell-shaped, studded jade piece with loops of seed pearls.
This dagger once belonged to the royal family of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.
You can see such bejewelled daggers tucked in the sash or waistband of royalty in many Miniature Paintings.

Collection

Arms and Armour

Object Type

Dagger

Material

Jade

Schools/Culture/Period

--

Technique

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Date

Late 17th Century CE

Location

Madhya Pradesh

Dimension

L 39.5 cm