Lot 65: AN INDO-PERSIAN GOLD INLAID "KOFTGARI" STEEL BOW, 19TH CENTURY
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A finely crafted Indo-Persian steel bow, elegantly recurved and decorated throughout with dense gold koftgari inlay. The surface is adorned with scrolling foliate motifs, palmettes, and spiral tendrils arranged in symmetrical panels that follow the contours of the bow’s limbs. The central grip is similarly embellished, its geometric transition points framed with crisp linear borders.
Both nocks terminate in sculpted steel tips, originally designed to secure a bowstring, and retain traces of engraved ornament. The reverse is plain, showing the smooth steel surface typical of functional yet ceremonial weaponry of the period.
This type of steel bow—non-functional for shooting but crafted as a parade, diplomatic, or status object—was prized in courts across northern India and Persia during the 19th century. Its refined gilded decoration exemplifies the high artistry of koftgari metalwork.
L: 99cm
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