Production and Techniques

From North Africa to Southeast Asia, ceremonial arms and armour were designed to reflect

personal and cultural identity, status, wealth, heritage, religious beliefs, and ideals such as

courage, strength, and resilience. To achieve this, artisans employed a wide range of decorative

techniques, including engraving, metal inlay and overlay, gilding, enamelling, and gem setting.

Additionally, the forging of blades involved meticulous craftsmanship to create intricate and

distinctive patterns.

The remarkable skill and attention to detail in crafting these objects elevate them beyond their

function as instruments of war. They stand as stunning examples of beauty, ingenuity, and

craftsmanship. Recognizing ceremonial arms and armour as masterpieces of decorative art

allows us to appreciate their rightful place in the history of technical excellence and design

innovation.

Inlay and Overlay	Chiselling and Engraving
Khanjar (dagger) and sheath India; 18th century Steel, gold, wood, velvet, metallic thread Mengdiexuan Collection	Katar (punch dagger) Probably South India; 18th century Steel, iron, gold, silver Mengdiexuan Collection

Piercing and Openwork	Enamelling
Katar (punch dagger) and sheath India, Rajasthan; 19th century Steel, gold, silver, wood Mengdiexuan Collection	Dagger and sheath Iran; Qajar period (1789–1925), 19th century Steel, gold, enamel Mengdiexuan Collection

Piercing and Openwork

Enamelling

Katar (punch dagger) and sheath
India, Rajasthan; 19th century
Steel, gold, silver, wood
Mengdiexuan Collection

Dagger and sheath
Iran; Qajar period (1789–1925), 19th century
Steel, gold, enamel
Mengdiexuan Collection

Filigree and Granulation	Gilding
Qama and sheath Balkans; 19th century Steel, silver, wood, turquoise, coral, carnelian, stones Mengdiexuan Collection	Bhuj (axe-knife) India, Gujarat, Kutch; 19th century Steel, gold, ruby Mengdiexuan Collection

Chasing and Repoussé	Niello
Kris with sheath and holster Indonesia, West Java, Cirebon; 19th century Steel, iron, gold, silver, diamond, wood, leather Mengdiexuan Collection	Shashka and scabbard Georgia or Dagestan; early 20th century Steel, niello, leather, silver Mengdiexuan Collection

Gem and Stone Setting	Hardstone Carving
Sword and scabbard Nepal; 19th century Steel, copper, gilt copper, turquoise, ruby, coral, pearl, carnelian, emerald, beryl, garnet, precious stones, velvet, wood Mengdiexuan Collection	Khanjar (dagger) with horse-shaped pommel India; Mughal period (1526–1858), 19th century Steel, jade, gold, ruby Mengdiexuan Collection

Gem and Stone Setting

Hardstone Carving

Sword and scabbard
Nepal; 19th century
Steel, copper, gilt copper, turquoise, ruby, coral, pearl, carnelian, emerald,
beryl, garnet, precious stones, velvet, wood
Mengdiexuan Collection

Khanjar (dagger) with horse-shaped pommel
India; Mughal period (1526–1858), 19th century
Steel, jade, gold, ruby
Mengdiexuan Collection

Forging Steel
Kodachi (sword) blade Maker: Fukuoka Ichimonji Norifusa Japan; Kamakura period (1185–1333), 13th century Tempered steel Hing Chao Collection