Question about a motif.

[mariusgmioc]

Absolutely stunning khanjar. One of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

It seems to have a date and an inscription. Clearer photos of the writings may help.

Will send the photos to a friend of mine who may know more.

[shayde78]

Could it be Krishna suckling at Putana' s breast? It is a Hindu tradition, and im not sure if that fits this weapon. However, the motif seems to fit.

[Gonzoadler]

Possible, too.
I have a link to a site of a german villa.
There you can find a statue of a Peri angel which also fits your motif.
http://eichinger.ch/eichifamilyhom/R...ermesVilla.htm

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Gonzoadler

Possible, too.
I have a link to a site of a german villa.
There you can find a statue of a Peri angel which also fits your motif.
http://eichinger.ch/eichifamilyhom/R...ermesVilla.htm

Ah...yes! A peri is from Persian mythology, so that makes much more sense. A form of benevolent jinn. Also, the wings are more consistent with the carving depicting peri. Well done

[mariusgmioc]

Indeed they appear to be Peri, but what about the two inscriptions?

It may be they shed more light on the subject.

[mahratt]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Indeed they appear to be Peri, but what about the two inscriptions?

It may be they shed more light on the subject.

Unfortunately, the translation of the inscriptions will not help much:

"Oh Kind!" (usually an appeal to Allah). Year 1250 (1255?)

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by mahratt

Unfortunately, the translation of the inscriptions will not help much:

"Oh Kind!" (usually an appeal to Allah). Year 1250 (1255?)

Thank you Mahratt!

To my eyes looks definitely like Qajar 1250/1834 (or less likely 1205/1790), but I wanted to hear first other opinions as I wasn't very confident in my Nasta'liq date reading competency.

Also the very aesthetical style of decorations appears to be right for that period.

Let us wait to see if my friend will find a fitting explanation for the carvings.

Meanwhile, it would also be nice to see a little more detail of the wootz pattern.

PS: I don't believe it is 1255 because it is a big difference between the supposedly 5 - ٥ and the 0 - ٠ in the carving.

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by mahratt

Unfortunately, the translation of the inscriptions will not help much:

"Oh Kind!" (usually an appeal to Allah). Year 1250 (1255?)

Thanks Mahratt
1255 that would be = 1839

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by Gonzoadler

Possible, too.
I have a link to a site of a german villa.
There you can find a statue of a Peri angel which also fits your motif.
http://eichinger.ch/eichifamilyhom/R...ermesVilla.htm

Interesting guess !
Thanks Kurt