FINE WOOTZ KATAR
Origin: Rajasthan
Date: Late 18th, early 19th century
Size: TBC
Ref: SD18029
Price: SOLD
A late 18th, early 19th century example of a Fine Wootz Katar dagger from Rajasthan. Numerous examples of this Katar type can be seen in the arms and armour collection housed at the Bikaner Armoury.
The steel hilt is decorated with silver Koftgari overlay in floral and geometric design. The Koftgari work is 100% intact and rendered in the style typically found in the late 19th century, indicating that although the Katar was originally made in the late 18th or early 19th century, it was decorated at a later date. Decorating earlier examples in the latest fashion was a common trend amongst royals and nobles in India especially in the latter half of the 19th century when the threat of war minimized due to the conclusion of the war(s) with the British, which allowed for more resources to be allocated to the patronage of the arts.
The crisp blade is of Wootz Crucible steel with a pleasing mirror polish to the outer edge of the blade while the central panel provides a clean contrast with an active and vibrant dark Wootz watered pattern.
The dagger is complete with an interesting velvet over wood scabbard fitted with a silver chape. The scabbard contains 'pockets' that would have been used to house small utensils, which are now missing.
Comes complete with a custom made display stand.
