Katar (Punch-Dagger)
18th-19th century
Description
A katar is a punch-dagger that is native to South Asia. It consists of an H-shaped horizontal grip that results in the knuckles sitting just above the blade, which is triangular in shape. Here, the hilt, made of steel, has been stained brown and is decorated throughout with flowers in heavy gold false-damascening. The blade, made of watered steel, features an embossed fleur-de-lis at the base that leads to a medial rib with two adjacent fullers. The blade gets thicker towards the point, creating a profile that is distinct to an armor-piercing blade.
Dimensions
41.91 cm (16 1/2 in.)
Related Artworks
View MoreBronze
6th-2nd century BCENear EasternLeaded bronze
15th-13th century BCEItalicMalachite- and azurite-encrusted bronze blade; greenish, brown jadelike guard
5th-3rd century BCEChineseStone
ChineseLead
GreekElectrotype of bronze original with gold and silver; inlaid, repoussé
19th-20th centuryMycenaeanMetal with wood and leather handle
18th-19th centuryVolcanic stone
3rd millennium BCEAnatolianBronze handle holding iron blade
9th-8th century BCEIranianLead
Cast bronze
14th-11th century BCEChineseLeaded bronze
5th-4th century BCEGreek