Stone Dagger Hilt with Silver Inlay
Material: Dark green hardstone, silver, and red stone inlays
Period: 17th–18th century CE, tentatively
Dynasty: Mughal/Deccan tradition, tentative
Region: South Asia, probably India
Function: Dagger handle/hilt
Description:
A finely carved and polished curved dagger hilt made of dark green mottled stone. The surface is decorated with delicate silver inlay in scrolling and floral patterns, including engraved leaf-shaped silver elements. Several red cabochon-like stones are set into the hilt, creating a strong contrast with the green stone and silver decoration. The hilt has a rounded, bulbous pommel and appears to have originally been attached to a dagger blade, which is now missing. Its luxurious materials and ornamental style are consistent with 18th–19th-century South Asian, particularly Mughal/Deccan, dagger-hilt traditions.
