Dagger (Qama) with Sheath and Utility Knife

Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 199


Probably made in Tbilisi, an important cultural center famous for its sword makers, this richly decorated qama displays a remarkable unification of many techniques, including steel forging, koftgari (false damascening), silver gilding, niello, ivory carving, and inlay. Niello floral designs inlaid upon gilded silver, as seen on the scabbard, were a distinct decorative convention of Caucasian workshops. Moore’s fascination with the niello technique may be traced to works such as this.

Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia

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Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia
Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia
Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia
Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia
Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia
Dagger (<i>Qama</i>) with Sheath and Utility Knife, Steel, ivory (walrus), silver, gold, niello, copper, wood (likely mahogany), leather, sharkskin, Caucasian, probably Tbilisi, Georgia

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