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AN INDIAN STEEL SWORD (FARANGI) HANDLE WITH KOFTAGARI DECORATION India, 18th century A silver and gold damascened steel sword handle. The surface is decorated in koftgari technique, with gilded flowers set among silver-inlaid vegetal tendrils. Koftagari (or koftgari) is a refined Indian damascening technique used to decorate weapons and objects made of steel or iron. Particularly widespread between the 17th and 19th centuries in regions such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and the Deccan, it involves lightly incising the metal surface and 'hammering' gold or silver wires or sheets into the grooves created. 23.5cm long