Persian steel dagger with inlay and wootz blade. The khanjar hilt of steel possibly also watered, chiselled with panels of calligraphy, and inlaid with borders of precious metal. The top is unusually surmounted with a deeply sculpted scenario with a lion attacking a gazelle. The blade of deeply curved fine dark wootz watered steel, with a raised ridge along its centre for strength and reinforcement. The original sheath with a decorated chape and finely pierced mount for a hanging lanyard or tassel. Good overall condition, one chip to the upper blade, age wear. 18th/early 19th century.