This white nephrite jade crutch handle with carved lotus petal patterns terminates at each end with a sensitively rendered lions head.  It is supported by a bronze mount with a gold inlaid floral and bird scrollwork design. 

Indian ascetics were prohibited from carrying weapons, and the crutch was used to evade this prohibition. While designed to be leant on whilst reclining, the crutch was made also either heavy enough to be used as a mace or was made to conceal a lethal blade. These weapons were especially favoured by princes and holy men and can sometimes be found depiction in Indian miniature paintings. 

Jade was appreciated by Mughal courts for its tough compactness, durability and the quality of translucence. Jade is expertly carved by Mughal craftsmen into a variety of elegantly shaped, luxurious jewellery, vessels and hilts of weapons for the court from the seventeenth century.