Dagger and sheath

Historical period(s)
Zand period, Reign of Karim Khan, ca. 1790
Medium
Watered steel, iron, gold inlay, silver
Dimensions
H: 37.2 cm (14 5/8 in)
Geography
Iran, Shiraz
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1939.44a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Weapon and Armament
Type

Dagger

Keywords
filigree, Iran, Japan, naskh script, Zand period (1750 - 1794)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This dagger, with its intricate lines and floral motifs, was made during the reign of Karim Khan (1750-79) the first ruler of the short-lived Zand dynasty (1750-95) as is one of the few objects to survive from this period.  Its Persian inscription, written in an elegant nastaliq, reads:

In the time of the reign of the Zand emperor
The just king, ruler, heir to Dara,
Khan of the world, favorite of Ali,
Master of the time, lord of the sea and land.
Glory of the craftsmen, helper of the lowest [impoverished]
Oh Taqi (?), that chief of artists
Made in Shiraz a beautiful dagger
As a crescent with pearls dropping from its blade.
He said its date: beginning of wisdon and lofty praise.
For the sun, the crescent [is] as a belt of pearls.

Published References
  • James Waterson. The Ismaili Assassins: A History of Medieval Murder. London. front cover.
  • Dr. Esin Atil, W. Thomas Chase, Paul Jett. Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art. Washington, 1985. cat. 35, pp. 214-219.
Collection Area(s)
Arts of the Islamic World
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use