A rare Mughal white and russet jade palmette-handled dagger, 18th century. Photo courtesy Bonhams

The jade handle with russet inclusion carved to form an elegant baluster hilt with flaring guard and knop end. The handle 11.5cm (4 1/2in) long, the dagger overall 31cm (12 1/4in) long. Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 (€9,700 - 15,000)

Compare a similar white jade dagger handle from the Qing Court Collection illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, no.217, and another dagger also from the Qing Court Collection illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Armaments and Military Provisions, Shanghai, 2008, no.187.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 - http://www.bonhams.com/