Khanjar, Ceremonial Dagger with a Volute-shaped Hilt

17th century

Ornamental weapons were particularly prized in the Arab-Muslim world, especially in the Ottoman, Mughal and Safavid empires, where they were minutely described and illustrated in chronicles and travellers’ accounts. Dating from between the 17th and 19th centuries, these ceremonial daggers with carved pommels of precious materials reflect the opulence of the Indian courts and the diversity of the artistic traditions of the Mughal realms of the north and the kingdoms of the south. Daggers of this type were closely related to the royal status of the person for whom they were made and served as diplomatic gifts for European courts from the time of the Medici.