Gold Iinlaid Kubachi Kindjal

Kubachi is small ancient settlement in the republic of Dagestan, which is situated on the southern border of Russia, in the Caucasus mountains. The area is rich in silver which was mined since early Greek times, hence the art of silversmith was developed and perfected in Kubachi. Especially known in Kubachi silver work is the art of producing and decorating arms and armor. Kubachi artisans have created sword and daggers for Russian nobility as well as to foreign rulers and high standing personalities, Kubachi made arms and armor are exhibited in the major world museums.

Kindjals made in Kubachi, Dagestan are famous for their very decorative values. Kindjals decorated with ivory or walrus panels inlaid with gold are some of the best daggers made in Kubachi.  The Kindjal shown here is a good example for this work. Fine fullered blade. Chased, nielloed and gilded scabbard with carved ivory plaques inlaid with gold wire. The handle is a single piece of walrus ivory with gold inlaid decoration and two silver niello rosettes.

blade 12 inches long. Total length 17 inches. Very good condition, a minor (repaired) split to silver scabbard .

A fine authentic item, early 20 C.

For a similar dagger, see Robert Hales ” Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armor” Page 100, item 240