Giant Persian Ceremonial Axe (146 Cm) 19th Century

This is an enormous Persian ceremonial axe (146 x 50cm!) dating from the Qajar period, 1st half of the 19thcentury
These huge axes, of which very few have survived, were used for military ceremonies. They were carried at the start of a procession, where they could serve as a sort of standard for a regiment.
The decoration is very rich, with representations of the Prophet Mohammed (face veiled) surrounded by Hassan and Hussein, Sidi Ali and the witch (or perhaps the sister of Amir Ibn Abdawud killed by Ali? ), hunting scenes, Ali meditating under a tree, and numerous religious inscriptions in Kufic characters
The representation of Ali = Ali Ibn Abi Talib, son-in-law of theProphet and first Imam for the Shi'ites, is typical of Persian art.
The blade is attached to the handle by a circular iron tube and a long quadrangular steel point extends the handle.
The handle itself is made of wood, with the first part covered with a gilded string, then a twisted part with a small floral decoration, and finally a 3rd plain part finished with a grooved ball.
If small Persian ceremonial axes are fairly common the gigantic size of this one makes it a rarity that will make it a masterpiece in any collection of oriental weapons.
Ref D-05XX
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