From the collection of Dr. Leo S. Figiel, 18th C. Wootz Pesh Kabz Dagger with mother pearl grips

Status: Sold · Region: India · Type: Daggers

PESH KABZ (Ex-Figiel Collection)

18C, North India

From the collection of Dr. Leo S. Figiel (firm provenance provided).

This example has a fine watered steel single-edged blade that has the classical backward curve, with a robust T-spine extending halfway that terminates in unique a decorative element, and a thickened (armor-piercing) tip.

The hilt is classically shaped, with beak-shaped pommel, and a hinged pommel- tag. The grip scales are mother of pearl, common in work from Gujarat, which may narrow this piece to a Northwestern Indian locale.

The spine and grip bolsters are decorated in understated gold koftgari (characteristic of earlier work), and an Arabic inscription on the spine.

Scabbard: original scabbard mounted with pierced gilt brass mounts; the locket is painted with an old collection number (A 416) that has been observed on other items in the Figiel collection. The throat (locket) has polygonal button with a hinged suspension loop that has very finely crafted openwork. Dimensions: Blade: 8.25” OAL: 13.25” Condition: Minor discoloration to the mother of pearl. Very minor wear to the koftgari. Literature: While examples of fine pesh kabz are widely published, no published examples exist of mother of pearl handles.

Item on Consignment