Scabbard fitting (muhnal)

This fitting, usually referred to as muhnal (literally “covering the mouth”), must have covered the top of a scabbard. In this example, the “mouth” is cut in a V-shape to accomodate the languette of the sword hilt. A gold inlaid band divides the surface into two horizontal sections, separating the “mouth” from the lower half. Two rings hang from opposing gold inlaid lugs that are placed on the narrow sides of the fitting.

Centered around diamond-shaped motifs, the entire surface of the iron scabbard is inlaid and overlaid with intricate gold floral motifs, punctuated by a few small areas of openwork.

Historical period(s)
Mughal dynasty, ca. 1600
School
Mughal School
Medium
Iron with inlay and overlay of gold
Dimensions
H x W x D: 9.8 x 7.5 x 5.2 cm (3 7/8 x 2 15/16 x 2 1/16 in)
Geography
India
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1996.3
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Weapon and Armament
Type

Scabbard fitting

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

This fitting, usually referred to as muhnal (literally "covering the mouth"), must have covered the top of a scabbard. In this example, the "mouth" is cut in a V-shape to accomodate the languette of the sword hilt. A gold inlaid band divides the surface into two horizontal sections, separating the "mouth" from the lower half. Two rings hang from opposing gold inlaid lugs that are placed on the narrow sides of the fitting.

Centered around diamond-shaped motifs, the entire surface of the iron scabbard is inlaid and overlaid with intricate gold floral motifs, punctuated by a few small areas of openwork.

Label

This fitting covered the opening of a sword scabbard, and the rings accommodated a sash tied around its wearer's waist.   Weapons embellished with gold and other precious materials played a central role in diplomacy during the Mughal dynasty (1526-1857). Courtiers brought valuable armaments to emperors as tribute. In turn, emperors bestowed exquisitely wrought swords and daggers upon the nobility as signs of royal favor. Such gifts were a prominent feature of court attire.

Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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