Symbolism in Steel | Art and Warfare

Lot 222 in our upcoming Asian Art sale, a Mughal Deccan koftgari 'tabarzin', or more commonly known as a ‘saddle axe', is a type of traditional axe associated with Persian, Indian and Central Asian cultures.

Its name comes from the Persian word for axe, 'tabar', and was historically used as both a weapon and a ceremonial object. Known for its distinctive design and craftsmanship, often featuring intricate decoration and metalwork, the tabarzin was commonly used in the Safavid and Qajar periods of Persia, as well as in parts of the Mughal Empire in India.

^{A Mughal Deccan koftgari 'tabarzin' saddle axe (£3,000-5,000)}

This example likely dates from the late 18th/early 19th century and features a watered-steel blade with convex cutting edge, which is bordered on each side with gilded rosettes and a lion hunting a buffalo, the haft is overlaid with spiralling gilt foliage above a fluted column, and further spiralling scrolls.

Lions have been depicted in Indian mythology, art and architecture for centuries, often representing power, royalty, and nobility. Representations of these impressive beasts can be dated even as far back as 250 BCE to the patronage of King Ashoka during the Mauryan Empire (323-185 BCE). Ashoka commissioned a large column in Bihar with a capital which depicts four male Asiatic lions seated on a round abacus, to commemorate the occasion of the Buddha's first sermon in Sarnath. In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, lions are revered as guardians and protectors, and are often depicted as the mounts of deities, such as the goddess Durga, who is depicted riding a lion. The buffalo, or bull, is equally revered in Indian culture, often seen as a symbol of fertility, prosperity and abundance. Within the Hindu pantheon of gods, Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi, is depicted as a bull, symbolising agricultural prosperity. The intertwining of the two on the blade of this weapon, suggests a powerful and respected bearer indeed.

^{A Mughal Deccan koftgari 'tabarzin' saddle axe (£3,000-5,000) and an Indian Deccan ceremonial koftgari axe (£5,000-10,000)}

Lot 221, an Indian Deccan ceremonial koftgari axe, is rather more elaborate, with the crescent-shaped blade decorated with oval cartouches of flowers to each side, and surmounted with the head of an ibex, the haft with further banded scrolling decoration which terminates in a peacock-shaped handle to a fish pommel.

^{A Mughal Deccan koftgari 'tabarzin' saddle axe (£3,000-5,000) and an Indian Deccan ceremonial koftgari axe (£5,000-10,000)}

Ceremonial axes in Mughal India were a significant part of the court culture, symbolising power, authority and prestige. These axes were not just practical weapons, but also objects of art, meticulously crafted and adorned to reflect the status of their owners. Made from finely crafted steel, gold, silver and precious stones, often they also featured intricate engraving, inlay work and ornate designs.

^{An Indian Deccan ceremonial koftgari axe (£5,000-10,000)}

This particular example is thought to have been exhibited by Samina Inc. in New York’s Asian Art week in 2017.

Both will be available for bidding and purchase in our 8 November Asian Art sale.

Asian Art

Friday 8 November | 10am

asianart@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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