This dagger is said to have been a gift from Fath Ali Shah to Captain John Malcolm. Malcolm was an officer of the British East India Company, and he concluded the Company's first treaty with the Shah in 1801. A similar dagger formed part of the Iranian crown jewels until the 1979 revolution.
Physical description
Dagger with jewel-encrusted handle and enamelled sheath
Place of Origin
Iran (made)
Date
late 18th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Dimensions
[Sheath] Length: 25.5 cm, Width: 5.7 cm, Height: 2.6 cm
[Dagger] Length: 35.5 cm, Width: 6 cm, Height: 3.2 cm
Descriptive line
Dagger with jewel-encrusted handle and enamelled sheath, Iran, late 18th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
V.B. Meen and A.D. Tushingham, Crown Jewels of Iran, Toronto, 1968, p. 90.
Dagger in the Iranian royal collection; similarity to 1602-1888 noted in the text.
Exhibition History
Gifts of the Sultan: The Arts of Giving at the Islamic Courts (Los Angeles County Museum of Art 05/06/2011-31/12/2011)
Labels and date
Old label, reproduced in Register:
DAGGER AND SHEATH
The blade of watered steel inlaid with gold, the grip of enamelled gold set with precious stones, the sheath of gold enamelled in relief.
PERSIAN, early 19th century.
Given by the King of Persia to General Sir John Malcolm, when Ambassador at the Persian Court.
1602-1888
Dagger and Sheath
Iran
1750-1800
This dagger is said to have been a gift from Fath Ali Shah to Captain John Malcolm. Malcolm was an officer of the British East India Company, and he concluded the Company's first treaty with the Shah in 1801.
Steel, gold, enamel, gemstones; sheath of enamelled gold over wood
Museum no. 1602&A-1888 [Jameel Gallery]
Materials
Gold; Enamel; Steel
Categories
Arms & Armour
Collection code
MES
