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The Ottoman kilij is an exquisite example of 19th-century Ottoman craftsmanship at its finest, encapsulating several centuries of sword-making tradition. This particular piece represents a level of workmanship reserved for weaponry of exceptional quality, likely intended for a high-ranking military official or a member of the Ottoman elite.
The sword features horn grips, a common choice for fine swords, renowned for their durability and the natural, tactile connection they offer to the user. The brass cross-guard adopts a traditional design, featuring bud quillions – the decorative protrusions extending from the cross-guard. This layout is quintessentially Ottoman, suggesting an adherence to traditional stylistic norms.
Engraved along the blade are ornate blind fret patterns, a form of decorative detail achieved by meticulously chiselling away the metal. This intricate detail showcases the mastery of the artisan, who would have spent hours perfecting this design. The blind fretwork is complemented by devotional script, further enhancing the aesthetic and cultural significance of the weapon.
The sharply curved blade, designed to deliver powerful cutting strokes from horseback, features a subtle yelman. This is the secondary, back edge that starts partway up the sword and tapers to the point, a characteristic feature of many Middle Eastern and Central Asian swords. The yelman gives the blade a distinctive profile and contributes to the lethal cutting potential of the kilij.
The blade is further embellished with the use of ‘koftgari’ technique, a traditional method of ornamentation involving inlaying one metal into another, widely prevalent in the Islamic world. The forte and ricasso – the sections of the blade near the handle – feature faint floral etching and strapwork, an additional decorative detail that subtly enhances the weapon’s visual appeal without overpowering its overall design.
This kilij retains its original wooden scabbard wrapped in leather with metal stiching, providing a sturdy and protective sheath for the blade. This scabbard is adorned with an engraved tombac chape – the metal tip protecting the end of the scabbard, along with suspension rings and a throat. These elements are common in the Ottoman era, indicative of both functional considerations and aesthetic preferences of the period.
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Stock Number: 74917
This rarefied unique piece is subject to availability.
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Telephone: +44 (0) 207 6920 897
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