A SILVER AND COPPER-INLAID STEEL SADDLE-AXE HEAD (TABARZIN)
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ITALIAN COLLECTION
Possibly Deccan, Central India, 19th century

Of typical shape, the steel single-edged blade with a crescentic cutting edge, inlaid throughout with dense silver floral tendrils and vegetal sprays, on the two main sides inlaid with copper flowers in full bloom, the butt with a rosette medallion and fretwork bands around the edges, mounted on a later wooden staff, the axe head 16.6cm x 7.5cm, 59.5cm long with the staff.