Sword thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Sword

16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The hilt is of steel; the guard is of concave quatrefoil shape, each lobe being engraved and inlaid with brass with a coird design; the two lobes which form each side of the guard join to form a pierced steel flange which rests above the seating process; the latter is pierced in a floral pattern, engraved and inlaid with brass; at its broadest end it follows the V-shaped profile of the guard which is recurved at the ends. The grip is cylindrical and shows traces of turning. The pommel is of a square cushion shaped block of wood surmounted by a cone of pierced steel which ends in a turned steel knob. The blade is waisted and curves towards the cutting edge; the reverse edge bears a stud. Flamboyant type.


Object details

Category
Object type
Brief description
S Indian flamboyant sword, steel brass wood, S India, 16th century
Physical description
The hilt is of steel; the guard is of concave quatrefoil shape, each lobe being engraved and inlaid with brass with a coird design; the two lobes which form each side of the guard join to form a pierced steel flange which rests above the seating process; the latter is pierced in a floral pattern, engraved and inlaid with brass; at its broadest end it follows the V-shaped profile of the guard which is recurved at the ends. The grip is cylindrical and shows traces of turning. The pommel is of a square cushion shaped block of wood surmounted by a cone of pierced steel which ends in a turned steel knob. The blade is waisted and curves towards the cutting edge; the reverse edge bears a stud. Flamboyant type.
Dimensions
  • Overall length: 37in
  • Blade length: 29.75in
  • Width: 3.5in
Marks and inscriptions
  • Transliteration
Credit line
Given by Lord Kitchener
Object history
Given by the Right Hon. the Earl Kitchener of Khartoum
As originally arranged and displayed in Exhibition Road Indian Museum galleries until 1955, with some additions while in storage, case F.698
Bibliographic reference
Rawson, P.S., The Indian Sword, London, Herbert Jenkins, 1968, p.42, fig.20.
Other number
Kl.4 - Kitchener Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
IS.191-1964

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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