Artwork preview

Dagger (Chilanum)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Dagger (Chilanum) by an unknown artist features a long, slender, curved silver-colored metal blade with a pointed tip and three grooves running along its length. A short section at the top of the blade near the hilt is decorated with intricate etchings. The hilt is made of metal and consists of a round guard with a raised edge and a decorative knob on top. A curved metal quillon extends from the guard. The handle is narrow and cylindrical with a wider decorative section near the guard.

Artwork details

Date:
17th century
Medium:
Steel
Culture:
South Indian
Dimensions:
351 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette