Dagger with Yali Hilt

Not on view

This opulent carved and jeweled dagger consists of an ivory carved hilt mounted on a straight, broad metal blade. The hilt takes the form of a mythical yali or vyala (leogryph or sometimes part lion, part elephant, part horse) which was an auspicious symbol in southern Indian architecture. The high quality, style of carving, inlaid jewels and opulent details of thIs dagger reveal that it is a royal object made for courtly or ceremonial use. Its inscriptions show evidence of having been in the armory of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III (1794–1868) of Mysore and then entering British ownership.

Dagger with Yali Hilt, Hilt: Ivory; carved and inlaid with glass, ruby, spinel, and emerald
Blade: Steel

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