Description:

AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE NASRID SILVER-GILDED CALLIGRAPHIC INSCRIBED SWORD & SCABBARD, SPAIN, 16TH CENTURY
Nasrid Spain (likely Granada), 16th century

Description:
Iron, overlaid with silver and fire-gilded, featuring exquisite arabesque and calligraphic decoration in a highly refined Nasrid style. This exceptionally rare sword comprises a hilt with recurved crossguard and a pommel terminal cast in the form of a stylized fish or mythical creature's head—characteristic of late Nasrid aesthetics. The grip is entirely covered in gilded arabesque designs and floral scrolls highlighted in silver damascening, with fine nielloed or incised blackwork details.

The curved blade is plain and functional, while the matched scabbard is a masterpiece of metal craftsmanship, fully sheathed in densely packed arabesque and thuluth inscriptions. Calligraphic medallions punctuate the scabbard in several registers, incorporating stylized bismillah and other Qur’anic or talismanic formulas, likely for protection and victory. Three suspension loops remain intact and finely tooled with decorative motifs.

This weapon exemplifies the cultural fusion between Islamic artistry and Iberian craftsmanship during the late Nasrid or early Morisco period and would have belonged to a high-ranking noble or military elite, possibly as a ceremonial armament.

Dimensions: 96cm

Comparable examples:

  • A Nasrid sword with gilded decoration, 16th century, from the Royal Armoury of Madrid, exhibited in The Arts of Islam, Hayward Gallery, 1976, no. 464 (museum-held, not sold).

  • A Spanish-Moorish silver-inlaid sword, Nasrid or Morisco, circa 1500, sold at Sotheby’s, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 6 April 2011, Lot 129, for £157,250.

  • A related silver-gilt Nasrid-style dagger and scabbard, Spain, late 15th–early 16th century, sold at Bonhams, London, Islamic and Indian Art, 23 October 2018, Lot 92, for £82,500.

Note:
Surviving examples of Nasrid swords with full calligraphic decoration and matched scabbards are extraordinarily rare. This piece represents the final flowering of Islamic courtly metalwork in al-Andalus, blending martial prestige with sacred inscription. Its state of preservation and the richness of its decoration make it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Islamic arms and Spanish-Moorish art.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000