Lady Dynamite
Dagger and Sheath
- Dated: circa 1605–27
- Culture: Indian, Mughal
- Medium: steel, gold, ruby, emerald, wood, textile, glass
- Measurements: L. 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm); L. without scabbard 13 15/16 in. (35.4 cm); L. of grip 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm); L. of blade 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm); W. of grip 1 ¾ in. (4.4 cm); L. of scabbard 10 ½ in. (26.7 cm)
The hilt of the dagger is constructed of heavy sections of gold over an iron core and its scabbard mounts are of solid gold. All the intricately engraved surfaces are set with gems and colored glass finely cut with floral forms. The designs closely parallel those in Mughal painting of the early seventeenth century, suggesting the dagger dates from the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605–27), whose deep love of nature, especially flowers, is well documented in his memoirs, the “Tuzuk.” The blade is forged of watered steel.
(via vintagegal)
BELGIUM. Flanders region. Town of Ypres. 1988. Cats festival. Since the 10th century, on the second Sunday of the month of May, people celebrate cats to be fortunate for the rest of the year. By Harry Gruyaert.
(via sharetheguilt)