Publication Date
1086 AH / 1675 AD
Publication Place
-
National Museum of Oman
Subject
Gold and ivory (handle) Damascus steel (blade)
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
طول السيف: 97سم طول المقبض: 11.5 سم عرض النصل: 3.5 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
2021-14873
Record ID
object;EPM;on;Mus21;39;ar
Library Location
National Museum of Oman
Date
1086 AH / 1675 AD
Notes
Attributed to the sword of Imam bin Sultan al-Arabi I (under the ground), one of the possessions of Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur (may God rest his soul). The blade of this sword, made of Damascus steel, is distinguished by the most complex decorative designs known as the “Forty Steps.” The sword maker’s signature appears in a golden cartouche in the middle of the blade, “The work of Asad Allah 186.” It was made by Asad Allah Al-Isfahani, one of the most famous sword makers. In the Islamic world during the century (11 AH / 17 AD), in addition to the phrase “the ownership of Sheikh Saif” below it, and an inscription of the phrase “Shah Abbas in the year 5.” As for the hilt, made of ivory and inlaid with gold, it is in the style of Arabic hilts. The royal inscription on the blade proves that the sword was not a war spoil, but rather the maker was entrusted with a coin, and it is likely that it was presented as a gift to the sword of Bin Sultan al-Arabi from the court of the Safavid Empire, who saw in him a future imam of Oman.
Sample Text
"Curved-edged sword (Shamshir)" in Discover Islamic Art Collections. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;on;Mus21;39;ar
