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Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century.
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 2
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 3
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 4
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 5
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 6
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 7
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 8
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 9
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 10
Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. - Image 11

Ottoman Green Nephrite Jade-Hilted Kard or (Dagger) with Gold-Mounted Ruby Pommel Turkey, Late 18th – Early 19th Century.

Identification Number: 674
Available

Description

A rare and finely preserved Ottoman jade-hilted kard (dagger), distinguished by its elegant green nephrite jade handle, gold-mounted cabochon ruby pommel, and original parcel-gilt silver-mounted scabbard.

The slender tapering steel blade, probably of watered (wootz) steel, is fitted with an engraved silver ferrule decorated with delicate flowing foliate motifs, echoed on the lower mount of the scabbard.

The beautifully carved pale celadon-green nephrite hilt is fashioned from a single piece of stone into a refined faceted form, reflecting the Ottoman appreciation for luxurious imported materials.

The terminal is set with an oval cabochon ruby, possibly a Badakhshan spinel, enclosed within a finely worked gold collet setting.

The original scabbard retains its dark-dyed leather covering, possibly shagreen (ray skin), mounted with engraved parcel-gilt silver fittings and preserving its original silver suspension ring.

Jade-hilted kards of this type were prestigious courtly weapons, combining Ottoman craftsmanship with artistic influences from Persia and the wider Islamic world.

The survival of its original jade hilt, gold-mounted ruby pommel, engraved silver mounts, and matching scabbard makes this a particularly attractive and desirable example of Ottoman court arms.

Dimensions


The Overall length: 35 cm.
Length of blade and hilt: 30 cm.
Length of jade hilt: 11 cm.
Width across top of hilt: 2 cm.
Maximum width across scabbard throat: 2.5 cm.

Condition

Overall, the item is in very good condition for its age. The jade hilt, steel blade, and original scabbard are well preserved with expected age-related wear. The parcel-gilt silver mounts display minor rubbing and a few small shallow dents. The upper silver mount of the scabbard appears to have been re-secured at some point, resulting in a slight irregularity. The ruby terminal shows a small area of old surface wear or natural flaw. A highly attractive example retaining its original period components.

Provence

The European Art Market.

References

For Comparable Ottoman jade-hilted kards are illustrated and published in major collections and auction catalogues, including:

Bonhams, An Ottoman Gem-Set Jade-Hilted Dagger (Kard), Turkey, 18th/19th Century.
Sotheby's, An Ottoman Nephrite-Hilted Dagger (Kard), Turkey, 18th Century.

Sotheby's, An Ottoman Jade-Hilted and Gold-Inlaid Dagger (Kard), dated 1185 AH / 1771 AD.

Sotheby's, An Ottoman Silver Dagger (Kard) and Scabbard, period of Mahmud II, circa 1810.
Ashoka Arts, Ottoman Kard, 18th Century with Jade Handle.

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