Katar (????) for comment ...

B.I · 11th December 2006, 11:03 PM

The dagger, I feel, shares a close resemblance is in Stone, page 487 fig 1 and 2. Although this dagger seems of completely different form, and has a langet that holds the blade, the overall feel is the same, as is the 'thin' construction. I have seen three of these daggers (inc the Stone/Met) and handled one of them. The image in Stone in decieving, and I feel sure they are of the same grouping.

Jim, your assessment is well written, as ever. I agree that this geometric diaper pattern has definate northern similarites, but also feel it is also a Deccani feature. Bidriware uses a variety of this, and it also decorates both scupture and temples in the south. I think that one aspect (ie the guard decoration) shouldnt be singled out, and maybe it is best to judge this piece as a whole. To me, it screams southern. The difference between Mughal and Deccani can sometimes be very subtle. I am sure i can find a northern piece that simulates this exact pattern, but that still doesnt steer my opinion from a southern origin.
But, this is all speculative and based on opinin only.

Rick, I am pretty sure that the katar from Leeds holds an Indian blade. They did occasionally go flamboyant, but the thickness, central ridge and steel patina doesnt seem to lend towards a South-East Asian origin. could be wrong though, as I am going by scant memory and the same image you are looking at.

11th December 2006, 11:03 PM	#16
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	The dagger, I feel, shares a close resemblance is in Stone, page 487 fig 1 and 2. Although this dagger seems of completely different form, and has a langet that holds the blade, the overall feel is the same, as is the 'thin' construction. I have seen three of these daggers (inc the Stone/Met) and handled one of them. The image in Stone in decieving, and I feel sure they are of the same grouping. Jim, your assessment is well written, as ever. I agree that this geometric diaper pattern has definate northern similarites, but also feel it is also a Deccani feature. Bidriware uses a variety of this, and it also decorates both scupture and temples in the south. I think that one aspect (ie the guard decoration) shouldnt be singled out, and maybe it is best to judge this piece as a whole. To me, it screams southern. The difference between Mughal and Deccani can sometimes be very subtle. I am sure i can find a northern piece that simulates this exact pattern, but that still doesnt steer my opinion from a southern origin. But, this is all speculative and based on opinin only. Rick, I am pretty sure that the katar from Leeds holds an Indian blade. They did occasionally go flamboyant, but the thickness, central ridge and steel patina doesnt seem to lend towards a South-East Asian origin. could be wrong though, as I am going by scant memory and the same image you are looking at.