January

Nineteenth Century (Circa 1840-1850) Sword from Court of Lahore, featuring the Avatars of the Hindu deity-Vishnu and a cartouche panel of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Complete with its green velvet scabbard (mian). Constructed of Wootz iron and decorated in gold Koftgari borders. The tendril design on the hilt is a typical Sikh feature often found on Bazu Bands (arm guards) and helmets of the Sikh Raj period.

HISTORY

Guru Nanak is the first of Ten Guru's in the religion of the Sikhs, however, due to his universal appeal he was considered a deity in other faiths including the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Images of the Guru also appear in manuscripts and frescoes. This depiction of Guru Nanak on arms and armour however is extremely rare and is one of several in existence. One being in the Royal Collection Trust, other in the Wallace Collection, London and the other held in the Golden Temple Museum, Amritsar.