Chape of a scabbard

Metal tip (or chape) of a sword or dagger scabbard; 5/8″ x 1 1/2″ opening at top with scalloped edge coming to a rounded, closed point at the bottom; inlaid gold design of flowers on one side, feathers and flowers on the other; one side (blade edge) is narrower than the other.

Historical period(s)
Mughal dynasty, 17th century
School
Mughal School
Medium
Iron inlaid with gold
Dimensions
H x W x D: 11.2 x 3.8 x 1.6 cm (4 7/16 x 1 1/2 x 5/8 in)
Geography
India
Credit Line
Purchase — funds provided by Rajinder K. Keith and Narinder K. Keith in honor of Mahinder Singh Keith
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1994.5
On View Location
Freer Gallery 01: Body Image: Arts of the Indian Subcontinent
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Weapon and Armament
Type

Scabbard chape

Keywords
flower, India, Mughal dynasty (1526 - 1858)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Metal tip (or chape) of a sword or dagger scabbard; 5/8" x 1 1/2" opening at top with scalloped edge coming to a rounded, closed point at the bottom; inlaid gold design of flowers on one side, feathers and flowers on the other; one side (blade edge) is narrower than the other.

Label

Golden poppies swaying on slender stems adorn this iron chape, which once tipped a sword's protective cover. The design's balance of symmetry and acutely observed nature is characteristic of the finest Mughal ornament. The artist incised the patterns on the iron, inlaid them with gold foil, and added details using chasing and engraving.

Published References
  • Phaidon Editors. Flower: Exploring the World in Bloom. London, United Kingdom, September 30, 2020. p. 305.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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