Item
Physical Object
Koftigari Talwar with Hunting Scenes
- Object Name/Title
- Koftigari Talwar with Hunting Scenes
- Catalog Number
- 111-0158
- Physical Description
- This is a curved Indo-Persian sword exemplifying sophisticated craftsmanship through its koftigari decorative technique, which features silver or gilt inlay work on the hilt components. The blade displays intricate hunting scenes and animal attack motifs executed in detailed relief engraving. The sword combines the distinctive functional characteristics of a Talwar with luxury decorative elements. The koftigari technique is particularly evident in the silver gilt work on the pommel, grip, and guard sections. The blade is notable for its wider profile compared to related Middle Eastern sword types, and the overall execution demonstrates the high level of artistic and technical skill typical of premium Indo-Persian weapons.
- Sword Type
- Talwar (also known as talwaar or tulwar)
- Date of Creation
- Circa 1780-1820 (Date estimated based on stylistic features and decorative techniques; precise dating would require further analysis of maker's marks and materials)
- Component Materials
-
Blade: Steel with decorative engravings
Hilt: Iron base with silver gilt decorative overlay
Guard: Iron with silver gilt decoration
Pommel: Iron with silver gilt decoration - Measurements
-
Overall length: 32 3/4 inches (83.2 cm)
Overall width: 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Blade length: 28 inches (71.1 cm)
Blade width at base: 1 7/16 inches (3.65 cm)
Grip length: 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm)
Weight: 2 lb, 4.5 ounces (1.02 kg) - Edge Configuration
- Curved single-edged blade, wider than typical Middle Eastern shamshir swords, without the expanded yelman (false-edge) characteristic of kilij swords
- Guard Style
- Simple cross-guard with slender knucklebow attachment
- Pommel Type
- Disc-shaped flange surrounding the pommel with a central spike projection, decorated with silver gilt. The spike appears to be designed for a wrist cord attachment.
- Tang Construction
- Connected to the hilt using powerful adhesive resin, as typical for Talwar construction
- Object History
- This sword represents the Indo-Persian tradition of sword making, showing the characteristic features of a Talwar while incorporating luxury decorative elements. The presence of hunting scenes and animal motifs suggests it may have been made for a wealthy owner or ceremonial purpose.
- Subject Terms
- South Asian weapons; Indo-Persian swords; Talwar; Koftigari decoration; Ceremonial weapons; Decorated swords; Hunting scenes
- Temporal and Spatial Coverage
-
Temporal: Traditional Indo-Persian style
Spatial: South Asia - Related Collections
- The F.E. Williams III Collection of Antique Weapons and Artifacts
- Collection Attribution
- Frederick Eugene Williams III (known as Jack Williams), Collector
- Rights Statement
- © weaponscollector.com. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). Attribution required: "From the F.E. Williams III Collection at weaponscollector.com"
