1200€
A South Indian Spearhead
Overall length
sheathed 38 cm
Blade length
21 cm (50mm wide)
Materials
steel, iron
Weight
597 grams
Dating
South India, probably Tanjore
17th century
This spearhead is from South India, probably Tanjore and dates from the 17th century. It is often reffered to as a 'Sang' or 'Sanku'. A thick tapering blade with four chiseled grooves following the blades' outer contour. The blade is firmely attached to the shaft by two langets and secured with one rivet. The palmette style langets are chiseled with 'Yali' monsters heads. The shaft features three beaded bands and sits on a swollen base. This lancehead is a smaller variant of the curved-blade type that is pictured in Pinchot. These items are becoming hard to find. A solid and rare piece in good condition that retaines a nice age patina.
LITERATURE
Pinchot, p.12, fig.1-8
MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
Metropolitan Museum, accession number 36.25.1931.
A number of similar examples survive and appear to be related to the group of ankuśa probably produced in Mysore, the finest of which is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. See Elgood, 2004, pp.21-24, figs.2.1-7 and p.194, fig.19.13, centre
Further examples of this type are in the collection of H.M. The Queen at Sandringham House, Norfolk, and which were presented to the Prince Of Wales by The Princess of Tanjore during his visit to Indian in 1875-6. See Clark, 1898, figs.46, 47, 103, 104, 155, 156, 236 and 237. Cf. another example sold in these Rooms, The Jacques Desenfans Collection, 10 April 2008, lot 284
Price:
1200€
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