A Very FIne Indian Wootz Karud
A Very Fine Wootz Karud
Northern India (India, Pakistan)
Early 19th century
High contrast wootz steel, elephant ivory, silver, velvet, wood
Blade: 23,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 35,6cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 44,5cm
Collection Date: 2022
Collection Number: 275
Ex. Harry Wagner Collection: Columbus, Ohio, USA (2022)
Ex. Oriental Arms: Haifa, Israel (2022) (https://oriental-arms.com/product/very-fine-wootz-karud-dagger/)
A magnificent karud knife from North India. The steel blade is single- edged with consistent clear, high contrast wootz in the mottled or woodgrain pattern. Steel T-spine with massive rounded bolster and steel backstrap.
Elephant ivory scale grips with an iron pendent attached with silver chains and bells on the pommel. The chain and bells make a very elegant chime when jingled. Very fine sheath of velvet over wood. High-grade silver chape and locket with extensive piercing of lotus and flowering vine design. Attached with a silver baldric chain. An impressive karud dagger that would have been owned by a wealthy individual of a high social status.