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
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette