SIGNED AL-HAJJ NUH SAHIB [..], POSSIBLY IOANNINA, EPIRUS, DATED AH 1226/1811-12 AD CENTURY

Details

A FINE LARGE-EARED WALRUS-HILTED YATAGAN
SIGNED AL-HAJJ NUH SAHIB [..], POSSIBLY IOANNINA, EPIRUS, DATED AH 1226/1811-12 AD CENTURY
The long single-edged blade of typical form with double fuller along the blunt edge, elegantly gold-damascened with two intricate palmettes, one plain, the other rising from a lozenge motif, flanking three superposed calligraphic cartouches in naskh script framing a lobed roundel with calligraphic diagram in the form of a six-pointed star, the forte applied with a design of cusped foliage and filigree, the filigree patterns extending to the tang's ridge, the black leather sheath with silver mounts, each engraved with branches bearing acorns, with mythical beast finial
28 7/8in. (73.5cm.) long

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

A similar large-eared walrus-hilted yatagan with closely related gold decoration and silver work is attributed to Ioannina by Robert Elgood (The Arms of Greece and her Balkan Neighbours in the Ottoman Period, London, 2009, cat. 159, p.140)

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