Sosun Pattah (sword)

Artistblade by Syan Hussein (Northern India)

Culturehilt Hyderabad

Datehilt 1700s, blade dated 1867–1868

Mediumwootz (crucible steel), russeted iron and gold false-damascening (koftgari)

Dimensions78.7 × 66 cm (31 × 26 in.), 1 lb, 13 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.373

Descriptionhilt of Indo-Muslim, Hyderabad (Deccan) type. Single-edge down curving watered steel blade. Floral & vine gold "koft-gari" on rear edge of blade, both faces of forte, and forward edge of ricasso.

Talwar-style hilt with short crossguards having slightly spherical terminals. Langets terminating in arrow-shaped points, grip swollen at mid-length & shallow discoid pommel with domed insert topped by button with attached openwork swivel-ring. Hilt covered in dense floral gold "koft-gari."
Label TextIts name meaning “lily leaf” in Persian and Urdu, the graceful form of the sosun pattah belies its deadly practicality as a cutting weapon: the convex curve on this blade would deliver a devastating chopping attack. Such blades, akin to the Turkish yataghan, are attested in Indian art as early as the 500s, and may reflect contact with the Greco-Roman world.ProvenancePurchased by Museum from American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (NYC), Macomber sale, December 10-12, 1936, (lot 295 & 296). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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