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.

• 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)

• Origin

  India

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Weapon and Armament

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1590s, 1600s

• Place

  India

• Topic

  South Asian and Himalayan Art, Art, Mughal dynasty (1526 - 1858), Flowers

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Weapons, Armor (protective wear)