Description
A Rare and Exquisite Zand Dynasty Walrus Ivory-Hilted Wootz Steel Blade with Gold Damascene Inlay, Signed by the Persian Arms Master’s workshop, Asadullah, Persia, 1181 AH (1767 AD).
This extraordinary cavalry sword, known as a “shamshir,” is a remarkable artifact from the Zand Dynasty, crafted for mounted warriors.
Its elegant design and historical significance make it a true collector’s piece.
This particular sword, attributed to the workshop of the legendary Persian arms master Asadullah, reflects the finest traditions of Persian craftsmanship in the arms production.
Swords made in Asadullah’s workshop were highly prized and commissioned for royalty and high-ranking officers of the Persian army. These masterpieces gained admiration throughout the Islamic world and beyond, particularly in India, where they were considered luxury items of the highest Caliber.
This sword features a wootz steel blade adorned with intricate gold damascene inlay. The maker’s name and date are exquisitely inscribed within a detailed Arabic cartouche, which reads:
“عمل أسد الله ١٨١ = ١١٨١”.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Asadullah’s workshop was renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and the use of premium materials.
Walrus ivory was a favoured material for mounting and decorating hilts, as seen in this sword.
Comparable examples can be found in documented references on Persian arms and armour from pages 451 to 547.
Historical Context
The Asadullah sword-making tradition originated in Isfahan-Iran, it had started during the Safavid dynasty and it had continued it’s fine swords production during the Zand, and the Qajar dynasties.
These workshops produced exceptional swords throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries, solidifying their place in the history of Persian military art.
