Antiques M.S. Rau | Diamond And Enamel Sword Hilt Of The Maharajah

Among The Finest Sword Hilts Ever Crafted, This Exquisite Hilt Was Made For The Famed Maharajah Jagatjit Singh. Set With Over 1,120 Diamonds, The Magnificence Of This Jewel-Encrusted And Enamel Hilt Is Superb, Offering A Rare Glimpse Into The Indian Monarchy’S Golden Age. Hailing From The Alluring And Brief Period When The East India Trading Company And Indian Royalty Thrived Simultaneously, The Diamond-Encrusted Enamel Hilt Was Commissioned By The Maharajah For The Most Important Event Of His Reign—The Delhi Durbar Of 1903.

This Sword Hilt, Prominently Featured In Maharajah Jagatjit’S Formal Portrait, Represents The Very Highest Achievement Of Indian Jewelry Design. Marked By A Diamond Floral Motif, Intricate Filigree Work And Bountiful Engravings, The Sword Maintains Connections With Traditional Indian Symbolism While Incorporating. The Blue Enamel Is Associated With Enamel Centers In Punjab, Lahore And Jaipur, While The Handle Is Formed Of A Raging Lion’S Head With Piercing Ruby Eyes. Tigers Were Ancient Indian Symbol Of Kingship, And Often Formed The Pommels Of Mughal Rulers’ Swords. In Choosing To Showcase A Lion On His Ornate Sword’S Hilt, Maharajah Jagatjit Offered A Nod To That Time-Honored Tradition While Incorporating Western Symbolism, As Lions Are More Commonly Associated With Royalty In England.

The Delhi Durbar Celebrated The Coronation Of King Edward Vii And Queen Alexandra As The Emperor And Empress Of India, Showcasing Both British Power As Well As Indian Cultural Heritage. It Placed Indian Design, Art, Music And Dance On The Global Stage In Spectacular Form. Kings And Princes Alike Displayed Only The Very Best Of Their Jewels, Swords And Dress For The Occasion. Maharajah Jagatjit Spared No Expense In Adorning His Personal Items With The World’S Most Precious And Stunning Stones, Which Served As Outward Signs Of His Wealth And Abundance. A Rare And Important Piece Of Indian History, The Sword Hilt Is A Monumental Reflection Of The Maharajah’S Dedication To Blending The Political Power Of East And West While Preserving Indian Cultural Identity.

Circa 1900

8 3/4“ High X 6 1/2” Wide X 1“ Deep