Dagger Hilt
17th century (?) (made)
The dagger hilt would most probably have been made more for appearance than for functionality. Although the nephrite jade would have enhanced the appearance of the dagger, the weight of the hilt would also have helped to counter-balance the steel blade. Although nephrite is a hard and durable material, one major disadvantage is that it could be liable to damage from sharp impacts, possibly sufficient to render the dagger unusable without a replacement hilt. Additionally, when set with stones, the hilt could have proved to be quite unsuitable for prolonged action. Considering the materials that would have been used for the dagger, it would probably have been made for a wealthy or important person.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Pale green nephrite and gold. Fashioned using abrasives and abrasive-charged tools. |
| Brief description | A dagger hilt, part, pale greyish green nephrite jade, extensively recessed, stones and settings removed, Mughal, 17th century (?) |
| Physical description | Pale green nephrite hilt, cut off at the bottom, and with a hole running through its entire length. The grip is in the form of a flattened sphere from which rises an upper flaring element with terminals in the form of upward curving scrolls, and a flattened spherical knop. The hilt was formerly jewelled in a flower and leaf design, and remnants of the gold settings are still evident. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Dr. W. L. Hildburgh Bequest |
| Object history | This dagger hilt was bequeathed to The Victoria & Albert Museum by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh in 1956. |
| Summary | The dagger hilt would most probably have been made more for appearance than for functionality. Although the nephrite jade would have enhanced the appearance of the dagger, the weight of the hilt would also have helped to counter-balance the steel blade. Although nephrite is a hard and durable material, one major disadvantage is that it could be liable to damage from sharp impacts, possibly sufficient to render the dagger unusable without a replacement hilt. Additionally, when set with stones, the hilt could have proved to be quite unsuitable for prolonged action. Considering the materials that would have been used for the dagger, it would probably have been made for a wealthy or important person. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.38-1956 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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