**Originally Listed At $3000**

Central Asia, southern India, Mughal Period, ca. 18th century CE. A steel katar (also katara or bundi dagger), with an H-shaped horizontal hand grip and a long, pointed, triangular blade that sits below the user's knuckles. Inlaid gold koftgari on the handle forms repeated floral motifs, and dates this example to earlier than many extant katars. A pronounced ridge and triangular raised lines near the handle contribute to the design of the piece. These types of daggers are unique to southern Asia; ceremonial examples are used in worship, but they are also used in hand-to-hand combat, when they can be punched with the full body weight behind them rather than thrusting as one does with a sword or staff. The inlaid gold on this example marks it out as one to be used in ceremony. Size: 15.4" W x 3.45" H (39.1 cm x 8.8 cm); 5.8" H (14.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection acquired in The Dominican Republic over 20 years ago

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#127607

Light patina on surface from age and handling. Excellent condition.