Yatagan aux Sept dormants d'Ephèse

An Ottoman walnut ivory-hilted gold-inlaid steel blade yataghan, signed Abdullah for Hüseyin Kalfa, Turkey, early 19th century. A fine steel blade with a strong back, considerably inlaid with koftgari gold, with an auricular grip and walrus ivory plates, the gilded brass guard decorated with multiple nail heads. The signature of the craftsman (Abdullah) and the name of the patron (Hüseyin Kalfa) are inscribed in a tughra-shaped cartouche, followed by a star-shaped medallion featuring the names of the seven sleepers of Ephesus and their dog. Votive and poetic formulas are inscribed in long rectangular cartouches, including a call to Dhu'l-fiqar, Ali's sword. Brown morocco scabbard with makara-shaped bolt (mythological aquatic animal). Condition: very good condition of the blade, fractured hilt. L. 120 cm The myth of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, also known as the Companions of the Cave in Islam or Ashab al-Kahf, enjoyed a resurgence under the Ottomans, especially on talismanic objects. Their story evokes the idea of resurrection and trusting faith. The Koran refers to them in Sura al-Kahf, verses 8 to 26. The presence of their names on Ottoman blades may have suggested the owner's invincibility. Bibliography : Robert Hales, Islamic and oriental arms and armour: a lifetime's passion. Edition Robert Hales C.I. Ltd. England, 2013. p. 210 Provenance : French private collection. Former collection of Gabriel HANOTAUX (1853-1944) Minister of Foreign Affairs and member of the Academie Française, then by descent. The blade is profusely inscribed with the name of the Seven Sleepers and their dog, turkish poetry verse and the names of the four caliphs, an Arabic prayer and the beginning of a Turkish couplet. The myth of the seven sleepers of Ephesus, also known as the companions of the cave in Islam or Ashab al-Kahf, was revived under the Ottomans, especially on talismanic objects. The Koran refers to them in Sura al-Kahf, verses 8 to 26. The presence of their names on Ottoman blades may have suggested the owner's invincibility.