A butcher's sharpening tool and chain, Persia or Deccan, 17th/18th century, the chain composed of interlocking steel hooks with rings and dragon-head terminals, the sharpening implement with grooved and incised calligraphic inscription to one edge, 89cm. longInscriptions: The call to God to bless Muhammad and the 12 ImamsSigned: 'Work of 'Ali [son of] Ibrahim'The present butcher's implement appears to have been influenced from various artistic models. Whereas the dragon head finials recall Timurid forms, the stacked rings are reminiscent of Indian huqqa bases. For more on butcher's implements, see J. Allan and B. Gilmour, Persian Steel: The Tanavoli Collection, Oxford University Press, 2000, fig.I.3, pp.328-330. Please refer to department for condition report