The Saudi Dojan Khanjar

A.alnakkas · 2nd November 2016, 08:12 PM

This is a Ahsa production for the Saudi government as gifts and dress. It is based on the Hijazi style but with some minor editions. The style while cannot be found in documents, appears to have been adopted in mass by the Saudi Government after the unification of the state. With the earlier (Examples worn by the Shareefs) appear older.

Another observation that this particular design is also found in Ottoman influenced states such as AlRasheed of Ha'il.

A.alnakkas · 2nd November 2016, 08:15 PM

Saudi researchers I have contacted suggest that some khanjars in Hijaz were made by Ottoman craftsmen. But non provided an example for me to view and compare to ones I tracked to Arab makers. Could it be like the picture? Niello work was not the speciality of any Arab maker I know of.

Note on this example: The construction is that of a khanjar but it has features that are different like niello and a wootz blade. But the engraving style on the gold parts are very similar to decoration made by Arab makers. Its a confusing piece, but one could suggest it was made by maker representing the Ottomans? Or a Dagestani in Mecca? :-) if anyone can assist, I appreciate it.

DaveA · 4th November 2016, 07:26 AM

This is magnificent. With all the different design elements it risks being just too much, but it is not. I love the multiple layers, and the gold over the darker background. Thanks for sharing.

Dave A

2nd November 2016, 08:12 PM	#1
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	This is a Ahsa production for the Saudi government as gifts and dress. It is based on the Hijazi style but with some minor editions. The style while cannot be found in documents, appears to have been adopted in mass by the Saudi Government after the unification of the state. With the earlier (Examples worn by the Shareefs) appear older. Another observation that this particular design is also found in Ottoman influenced states such as AlRasheed of Ha'il. Attached Images

2nd November 2016, 08:15 PM	#2
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Saudi researchers I have contacted suggest that some khanjars in Hijaz were made by Ottoman craftsmen. But non provided an example for me to view and compare to ones I tracked to Arab makers. Could it be like the picture? Niello work was not the speciality of any Arab maker I know of. Note on this example: The construction is that of a khanjar but it has features that are different like niello and a wootz blade. But the engraving style on the gold parts are very similar to decoration made by Arab makers. Its a confusing piece, but one could suggest it was made by maker representing the Ottomans? Or a Dagestani in Mecca? :-) if anyone can assist, I appreciate it. Attached Images

4th November 2016, 07:26 AM	#3
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 416	Design This is magnificent. With all the different design elements it risks being just too much, but it is not. I love the multiple layers, and the gold over the darker background. Thanks for sharing. Dave A