Dagger with Jade Hilt in the Form of an Iris
c.1650
Description
The hilt, made of jade, features a pommel carved in the form of an iris. The base of the hilt is carved with acanthus leaves. The blade, made of watered steel, is slightly recurved. A fuller runs down the middle, from the base of the blade, to about three-quarters of the way towards the point.
Dimensions
35 x 3.5 cm (13 3/4 x 1 3/8 in.) max. with jade handle: 35 x 8.7 x 2 cm (13 3/4 x 3 7/16 x 13/16 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch, Jr., Contoonook, NH, (by 1999), gift; to Harvard University Art Museums, 1999.
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