Syrian Khanjar
Syrian Khanjar
Arab - Druze
Ottoman Syria (Syria)
Late 19th - Early 20th century (ca. 1890 - 1900)
Steel, horn, bone, coral, brass, wood, iron
Blade: 13cm
Hilt & Blade: 24,4cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 26cm
Collection Date: 2025
Collection Number: 471
Ex. Canadian Art Market (2025)
A fine khanjar from Syria during Ottoman period. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful patterned mosaic inlays. This example is very early for the type, possibly dating from the late 19th century.
The thick, slightly curved, double- edged steel blade has a medial ridge that spans to the point. The hilt is carved from layered segments of brass, goat horn, and bone. Decorated with circular inlays of red coral, with brass and metallic nails. Thick brass pommel plate. The sheath has a wooden interior covered in brass sheet with embossed designs. Iron belt loop on the rear side. Attached are two large iron suspension rings. A fine khanjar of great quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction. One metallic nail missing on the front and a chip to the bone segment on the rear. A very early example.
[1] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31771
[2] https://oriental-arms.com/product/early-syrian-khanjar-dagger/
[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5015
[4] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4795
[5] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5781