Grey nephrite jade dagger hilt, 17th Century CE - 18th Century CE
5.4
HB.002
A nephrite jade carved Indian dagger hilt whose grip is encrusted with gemstones, including cabochon emeralds and rubies, arranged along inlaid gold wire in the Kundan technique, as to create...
A nephrite jade carved Indian dagger hilt whose grip is encrusted with gemstones, including cabochon emeralds and rubies, arranged along inlaid gold wire in the Kundan technique, as to create a vegetal pattern of delicate flowers.
Daggers of this type were reserved for the Mughal court and were used as exclusive gift objects, a custom that still exists in the Indian state Rajasthan.
The fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who reigned between the years 1605 to 1627 AD. recounts in his memoirs that he had received a dagger studded with emeralds as a gift that was estimated to be worth, then, 50,000 rupees.
Kundan is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewellery involving a gem set with gold foil between the stones and its mount, created by setting carefully shaped, uncut diamonds and polished multicoloured gemstones into an exquisitely designed pure gold base.
The method is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat and Kundan flourished under royal patronage during the Mughal era.
Daggers of this type were reserved for the Mughal court and were used as exclusive gift objects, a custom that still exists in the Indian state Rajasthan.
The fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who reigned between the years 1605 to 1627 AD. recounts in his memoirs that he had received a dagger studded with emeralds as a gift that was estimated to be worth, then, 50,000 rupees.
Kundan is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewellery involving a gem set with gold foil between the stones and its mount, created by setting carefully shaped, uncut diamonds and polished multicoloured gemstones into an exquisitely designed pure gold base.
The method is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat and Kundan flourished under royal patronage during the Mughal era.