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A PARCEL-GILT STEEL PUSH-DAGGER, KATAR, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Lot 612 - FAS0425
India, Rajasthan. Of typical form, the tapering double-edged watered steel blade worked to the chape with a trefoil issuing a smaller blade, the pierced double-grip decorated in low relief with floral designs repeated on the upright flanges, all neatly picked out in gilt.
Provenance: European private collection. The blade lacquered with an old inventory number, ‘D122’.
Condition: Very good condition with some old wear, traces of use, minor corrosion. Expected rubbing to gilt, some tarnishing, few nicks and scratches, and signs of wear and use. The sheath with extensive wear, losses, and signs of wear and use.
Weight: 470 g (excl. sheath), 511 g (incl. sheath)
Dimensions: Length 45.5 cm (total), 26.5 cm (the sheath)
With an original leather-coated wood sheath. (2)
The katar is a unique form of Indian dagger, in which the grip is perpendicular to the blade. it was wielded in the right hand, as an independent weapon, or in the left hand, in conjunction with a round shield. Two narrow upright flanges, often bearing fine ornamentation, protect the sides of the hand and wrist. Rajput and Mughal royalty used this weapon to hunt tigers and even crocodile to demonstrate their bravery and martial skill.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related steel katar from Mysore, dated circa 1790, in the National Army Museum, London, accession number NAM. 1992-11-81-1. Compare a closely related gold and steel katar from Rajasthan, dated by inscription to 1852, 44.5 cm long, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 36.25.912. Compare a closely related gold-damascened steel katar from Rajasthan, dated 18th-19th century, 41.9 cm long, in the Harvard Art Museums, object number 1959.203.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 22 November 2016, lot 52
Price: GBP 7,500 or approx. EUR 13,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A fine gold-damascened watered-steel push-dagger (katar), India, late 18th/early 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related form and craftsmanship. Note the size (45 cm).
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