Saber blade inscribed by Asad Allah
17th century
Artists
Description
This curving, single-edged blade was made for a saber. From the shape of the tang, it is likely that the missing pommel was pistol-shaped. The blade exhibits a watered steel pattern, which was acid etched to bring out the color contrasts of the various components of the steel. A small gold cartouche near the base of this sword blade contains the signature of Asad Allah of Isfahan. A larger inscription on the blade reads: “The servant of the dominion of Shah `Abbas.”
Dimensions
99.3 cm (39 1/8 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch, Jr., Warner, New Hampshire (by 1989-2008), by inheritance; to Edith I. Welch, Warner, New Hampshire (2008-2011), gift; to Harvard Art Museums 2011.
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