Syrian Khanjar
Syrian Khanjar
Arab - Druze
Ottoman Syria (Syria)
Late 19th - Early 20th century (ca. 1895 - 1910)
Steel, horn, bone, brass, wood, iron
Blade: 14,6cm
Hilt & Blade: 25,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 25,4cm
Collection Date: 2026
Collection Number: 510
Ex. American Art Market (2026)
A fine khanjar from Syria during Ottoman period. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful patterned mosaic inlays. This example is early for the type, dating from the late 19th into the early 20th 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 inlaid bone strips, circular brass nails, and circle-dot motifs on the bone within the central grip. Thick brass pommel plate with an engraved circle-dot pattern.
The sheath has a wooden interior covered in brass sheet with stippled embossed designs. Iron belt loop on the rear side. A fine khanjar of great quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction. An early and complete example.
[1] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31771
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5015
[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4795
[4] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5781