HORSE HEAD KHANJAR
India (Mughal)
circa 1650
Length of dagger: 35.7 cm

A magnificent carved jade dagger (khanjar) with a steel blade. The hilt of fine mottled and streaked grey jade is superbly carved in the form of a horse’s head, with flaring nostrils, pointed ears, slightly open mouth and rounded cheeks, the mane swept as if by the wind to the left. The expressive features and fine carving, together with the weight and proportions of the dagger, convey admirably the power and vitality of the aristocratic animal.