Horse Handle Lapis Lazuli Dagger khanjar, Persian, 19th Century.

Kane Khanh | Archeaology
March 8, 2024

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In the heart of the bustling bazaars of 19th century Persia, there existed an item of great allure and mystery – a khanjar, a dagger, unlike any other. Its handle was not merely carved from wood or encrusted with ordinary jewels. Instead, it was a magnificent sculpture of a horse, meticulously crafted from the captivating blue stone, Lapis Lazuli. It wasn’t just an instrument of combat but a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the age. The khanjar was known far and wide as the Horse Handle Lapis Lazuli Dagger.

Proantic: Indo-persian Dagger, Lapis Lazuli Handle

The legend of this dagger was as enchanting as the blade itself. It was said to have been forged in the fires of the royal blacksmith’s furnace, under the watchful gaze of the Shah himself. The design was inspired by the Shah’s favorite steed, a magnificent horse of legendary speed and grace. The lapis lazuli used to create the horse handle was rumored to have been sourced from the deepest mines of Afghanistan, a land known for producing the finest specimens of the precious stone.

Dr. M.F. Khan on X: "Horse Handle Lapis Lazuli Dagger (Khanjar), Persian,  19th Century CE. The Al Sabah Collection, Kuwait https://t.co/VUrEkHqbRA" /  X

The dagger was a marvel to behold. Its blade, polished to perfection, reflected the sun’s rays in a dazzling dance of light. The horse handle, on the other hand, was a delicate blend of hues, the deep blue of the lapis lazuli interspersed with veins of gold. The horse’s mane was carved meticulously, each strand seeming to flow with an ethereal wind. Its eyes were set with tiny diamonds, which sparkled with a fierce intelligence.

However, the dagger was far from being just a decorative piece. It was a weapon of immense power, capable of bringing down the mightiest of foes with a single stroke. The blade was made from the finest steel, tempered in the fires of the royal furnace, and sharpened to a deadly point. It was said that the dagger could slice through the thickest armor as if it were made of paper.

The Horse Handle Lapis Lazuli Dagger was the pride of Persia. But as with all things of great value, it attracted the attention of those with ill intentions. It was said that a ruthless conqueror, hearing of the dagger’s beauty and might, had set his sights on it. This marked the beginning of a thrilling saga of courage, honor, and the fight to protect a symbol of Persian pride.