Lot 189: A PERSIAN ZAND GOLD-INLAID STEEL AXE HEAD (TABAR ZIN), 18TH - 19TH CENTURY

A Persian saddle axe head, known as a tabar zin, crafted from chiselled steel with gold damascene (koftgari) decoration. The flared blade features central panels on both sides decorated with a dense hunting scene (shikargah) set within foliage and flowers. The relief chiselling depicts birds in flight and perched in trees above two running quadrupeds, likely gazelles. These central scenes are framed by thick borders of gold damascene consisting of scrolling floral and foliate rinceaux. The upper section of the blade includes a lobed quatrefoil cartouche containing a central golden floral sprig. The side of the socket is decorated with scrolling arabesque patterns in gold. The rectangular poll is ornamented with repeating geometric and foliate patterns, including a series of stylised leaf motifs around the edges. No calligraphic inscriptions or maker marks are visible.

L: 15cm