Description

A charming little Rajput child's katar. The blade has a sunken panel with a raised cypress motif, representing the tree of life. The hilt has a graceful base that looks like an open book seen from the side. It has flat side bars and slightly swelling handlebars. Between the bars are tiny floral elements and a small bar in the center, connecting the grip bars. These last two features are typical for katar produced at Bundi in the 19th century.

Five katars as depicted in Hendley; Ulwar and its art treasures of 1888.
The middle one is produced at Bundi:

"(3) Blade, steel with three ridges, of which the centre is like a cypress tree. 
Sheath, wood covered with scarlet velvet and a gold band. Made at Boondi in 1803 by Thakursidas, an Ulwar servant.
Total cost, Rs. 200;
steel, Rs 50;
gold, Rs 100;
labour, Rs 50.
Length 18 1/8 inches."

The hilt is entirely decorated with geometric and floral motifs in silver and gold, a style called Ganga - Jamni.¹

Compared to a full-sized Bundi katar.

Both outsides are the same, but the inside bars have a slightly different motif on either side so the wearer could switch which one is in view. A clever and rarer feature on katar.

Notes
1. See Glossary article: Ganga - Jamni.