Artwork preview

Gauntlet Sword (Pata)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Gauntlet Sword (Pata) features a long, narrow blade with a slight tapering towards the tip. The blade appears to be made of metal, exhibiting a silver-gray color with visible signs of wear and aging, including darker spots and discoloration. The hilt consists of a circular guard positioned at the base of the blade, featuring an etched design. A small, cylindrical protrusion extends from the left side of the guard. The guard and the upper portion of the blade's cover are adorned with a decorative border of small rivets or beads. The grip of the sword is partially visible, appearing to be made of metal with a darker, more weathered appearance than the blade. A decorative element is visible near the base of the grip. The background of the image transitions from white at the top to dark gray at the bottom.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Steel
Culture:
Indian, South Indian
Dimensions:
416 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette