mid 17th century
This exquisite little fish, made of beautifully patterned watered steel accented with gold overlay in the koftgari technique, is also a practical and useful tool. It would have held gunpowder, dispensed from its mouth by pressing on the end of the lever. Attached to the lever are two rings, which would have allowed the fish to be suspended upside down from a belt. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.
15.88 cm (6 1/4 in.)
Electrotype of bronze original with gold and silver; inlaid; repoussé
19th-20th centuryMycenaeanBronze
9th-8th century BCEIranianLead
GreekSteel
17th centuryPersianSteel, jade
19th centuryIndianBronze with turquoise inlay
11th-8th century BCEChineseMetal blade with bone handle; leather scabbard
19th centuryMalaysianCopper
15th-13th century BCEHittiteLead
Bronze
ChinesePale greenish white nephrite with brass fittings; the steel blade with embellished brass handle and red hardstone handle end; Mughal style
18th-19th centuryChineseSteel blade with chased and chiseled decoration, wooden handle with decorative inlays of metal, stone, coral, and mother of pearl
19th-20th centuryIndonesian