A fine gilt saddle-axe (tabarzin), North-west India, Bikaner, 18th century
Auction Closed
October 26, 12:30 PM GMT
Estimate
26,000 - 35,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
the crescent blade with foliate designs on a punched ground surrounded by gold-damascened flowers and birds, with square hammer-head decorated with foliate motifs and animals, the haft gold-damascened with a floral lattice, each with a raised centre
61.3cm.
A Mughal axe of similar form and decoration is illustrated in Missillier and Ricketts 1988, p.138, no.233. The shape follows a Persian prototype which was widely used in India, see for example the saddle-axe by the Iranian craftsman Lotf 'Ali dated 1152 AH/1739-40 AD, whose work was known and copied in India (see Melikian-Chirvani 1979, figs.138, 139, 142-5).
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