Interesting small Indo Persian ? knife
 

Was given a couple of items this week by someone who knows this is my interest . This is a rather nice knife , length across the curve 28 cm ,, cylindrical handle . Oddly the sharp edge is the top ( non serrated ) edge . I am assuming it is Indo Persian but any observations would be most welcome.

If you turn it upside down, it will look like Laz Bichaq:-)

I leave it to Ariel to lead the charge on this one and only need to introduce http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002625.html as the start point... :shrug:

Hi TRL:

That is an interesting knife. Can you tell us whether the silver(?) decoration on the blade is koftgari work? If so, then your Indian attribution seems likely. Recurved blades do occur in northern India, although the hilt is atypical.

It looks a rather fanciful piece and perhaps not very old.

Ian.

the decoration is deeply incised and blackened but it is not koftgari work and yes I do agree the hilt is odd but seems stylistically in keeping with the rest .

I'm with Ian - I like it as a new custom piece using older styles and techniques.