Artwork preview

Sword (Shamshir) with Scabbard Chape and Sling Straps

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Curved, single-edged sword with a long, slender blade that tapers to a point. The blade is made of metal and has a slight curve. A hilt with a short, rounded pommel and a crossguard with a slight curve is at the top of the blade. A grip wrapped in dark material, possibly leather or fabric, is between the pommel and crossguard; it features decorative metal inlays. Attached to the hilt are two straps or tassels made of dark material with decorative gold-colored metal pieces. A scabbard with a chape, made of dark material with decorative elements, is hanging from the hilt by a cord. The background is a plain light gray color.

Artwork Details

Date
19th century
Medium
Steel, gold, enamel
Culture
Indian
Dimensions
446 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette