A MUGHAL ENAMELLED DAGGER (KARD) WITH VELVET COVERED SHEATH

The decoration on this dagger and scabbard displays a rare combination of Muslim prayers alongside images of Hindu deities. The inscriptions are derived from both the Qur’an as well as Shi’a sources. The figures of Indian gods and goddesses including the multi-armed goddess Durga, Vishnu seated under a five-headed serpent and the monkey god Hanuman illustrate an influence of eighteenth century North Indian painting from Kashmir and Pahari states (Beijing 2018, p.214).
The turquoise enamelling used for the ground on the hilt as well as the fittings on the scabbard is highly unusual. For brief note on turquoise enamel and a gem set gold box decorated with this color, see lot 232 in the sale.