Lot 32: A GILT-STEEL ELEPHANT AXE (BHUJ), KUTCH, GUJARAT, 19TH CENTURY

Of imposing form, the weapon comprises a broad, recurved blade mounted to a long cylindrical shaft, the upper section fitted with a red velvet-covered socket reinforced with gilt-steel panels. The blade’s surface is decorated with incised and parcel-gilt diamond motifs, while the gilt mounts are finely chased with dense floral arabesques, their scrolling tendrils contained within cusped cartouches. The lower shaft is engraved with repeated lozenge and foliate patterns, terminating in a domed finial with spherical knop.

For a similar axe, see Robert Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour, 2013, p. 300, no. 720b.

L: 71cm