Dagger (Kard) with Sheath

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A kard is defined as a straight, single-edged dagger that is worn on the left side of the belt. Unlike most daggers, in which the narrow tang attached to the blade fits into a handle, the blades of these daggers are made with a flat steel tang of the same width as the blade. Two ivory pieces were fitted into and riveted to either side of the tang to form the handle. This example resembles a number of early nineteenth-century Iranian kards that have ivory hilts and watered steel blades with floral arabesque ornamentation. The hilt of this particular dagger has also been decorated with metal bands bearing a gold vegetal design. This example is so similar to one signed by the maker, Muhammad Nami, and dated 1799/1800 (located in Bern), that both can be assumed to come from the same workshop.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art