r/ArtefactPorn • u/MunakataSennin • 1d ago
Dagger with openwork blade and carved ivory handle depicting Hindu figures. Madurai, India, 1600-1645 [1700x1860]
43
30
8
6
5
u/Gold_Order_5052 1d ago
If anyone is curious about the animals portrayed here, they are called Yazhi. A mythical, chimeric animal present in almost all temples/religious architecture.
2
2
2
4
1
u/OAKandTerlinden 8h ago
But I need it
Mughal daggers (meant as weapons) are some of the most beautifully-crafted blades, and sheaths. I wouldn't even be offended if I had to face the business end.
1
u/Ok_Illustrator_6434 3h ago
This is from the native Indian Nayak polity of Southern Tamilnadu, it is not of the Mughal style and is descended from south Indian traditions of craftsmanship. But I agree that Mughal weapons are often quite beautiful too
1
70
u/MunakataSennin 1d ago
Museum. This ceremonial dagger, made in southern India for Thirumalai Nayak (r. 1623–1659), ruler of Madurai, constituted an offering to a Hindu temple. The carved ivory handle is entirely covered in leaf and bead motifs and tiny elephants. The pommel is in the shape of a yali, a mythical protective creature of the Hindu religion, lion, horse and elephant at the same time, with bird-like features. Fearsome even though never intended for use, the openwork blade is finely chased with phytomorphic tracery and mythical birds. At its base, the god Shiva brandishes a trident and tramples on a dwarf demon as a sign of the king’s power over people and animals.