Scabbard fitting (muhnal)

Object Details

• School/Tradition

  Mughal school

• 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.

• Provenance

  At least 1995-1996

  Terence McInerney Fine Arts, Ltd. (active 1990-2013), New York, NY, method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1996

  Freer Gallery of Art, Terence McInerney Fine Arts, Ltd. [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See incoming receipt, dated December 14, 1995, copy in object file. The object was transferred from Terence McInerney Fine Arts, Ltd. to the Freer Gallery of Art for acquisition consideration on December 14, 1995. Object is described as a “Muhnal or Scabbard fitting.”

  See also invoice from Terence McInerney Fine Arts, Ltd., to the Freer Gallery of Art, copy in object file.

  Terence McInerney Fine Arts Ltd. (active 1990-2013) in New York, NY, specialized in Indian and Islamic paintings and occasionally three-dimensional metal and wooden objects. Founded by Terence G. McInerney (b. 1948), his prior firm was the Greater India Company, Inc. (active 1974-1991) in Cambridge, MA.

  [2] See Freer Gallery of Art, “Acquisition Consideration Form,” approved on February 14, 1996, copy in object file.

  Research updated June 27, 2023

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  East of Eden: Gardens in Asian Art (February 24 to May 13, 2007)

  Gold: The Asian Touch (September 10, 2005 to February 20, 2006)

• Previous custodian or owner

  Terence McInerney Fine Arts, Ltd. (active 1990-2013)

• Origin

  India

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Weapon and Armament

• Restrictions and Rights

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1590s, 1600s

• Name

  McInerney, Terence

• Place

  India

• Topic

  South Asian and Himalayan Art, Gold, Art, Inlay (process), Mughal dynasty (1526 - 1858), Iron, Flowers, Engraving (incising), Metal-work

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Weapons, Armor (protective wear)