Large Engraved South Indian Katar

Product Description

Finely decorated vintage Indian Katar.  Very large in size with a 15 inch blade richly decorated with Elephants.  The Elephants appear to have a Howdah on their backs, which is a a thronelike saddle placed on the back of an elephant. The hilts are decorated with flowers and vines.  Katars from the South often had hilts with elaborate perforations, motifs and carvings mirroring styles and features found in the religious architecture of the region. Katars were important to Indian society and are featured commonly in period artwork, usually tucked into Indian nobility waist sashes.  Overall size 26 inches.  4 1/4 inches at its widest part.  Blade slightly loose, we think because of its size and weight.  Outstanding display piece.