Karud
Karud
Sikh Empire (Pakistan) - Punjab Province, British Raj (North India)
Mid- 19th century (ca. 1825 - 1875)
Steel, ivory
Blade: 28,9cm
Hilt & Blade: 41,6cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 102
Ex. American Art Market (2019)
A fine karud dagger with a crystalline wootz blade from the region of Pakistan into Northern India dating to the 19th century.
The single- edged straight blade slightly curves upwards towards the point. The entire blade presents a fine crystalline wootz pattern. Strong T-shaped spine cross section. Iron bolster and backstrap with lanyard loop. The hilt of two scale grips of elephant ivory with a beautiful yellow patina contrasted with dark horizontal striations. Missing its sheath. A good quality example of the type.
The last photograph shows a comparison to a similar example in Dmitry Miloserdov’s 2019 book, “Edged Weapons of Afghanistan,” page 333.
[1] Sotheby’s Olympia Auction, 26 June 2003, Page 14, Lot 9
[2] Miloserdov, Dmitry Yurievich. 2019. “Edged Weapons of Afghanistan”. Page 333
[3] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31463
[4] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8344