**Originally Listed At $800**

Central Asia, Pakistan/northern India, Indo-Persian period, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An attractive iron and brass shield known as a dhal or sipar, a form of buckler, or small shield made to be gripped with a handle on the verso in a traditional hammered circular or dome-shaped form with four hemispheric metal bosses. These bosses are ornamental, but traditionally, they have also served as attachments for spikes used either offensively or to parry blows. The central most convex area around the bosses is engraved with scrolling foliate vines into arabesque shapes. Encircling the perimeter is a register of bold calligraphic Arabic with an applied brass rim. The inscriptions were often praises of the owner's strength or verses for protection. The verso contains 4 iron loops from the boss rivets that would have held the leather strap handles in place. Size: 20.3" Diameter (51.6 cm)

This type of shield demonstrates the Persian influence on Indian culture that was present during the Mughal Empire, which lasted from the 16th to 19th century CE. The dhal shield design originated in India and spread to Persia and the places in between the two, modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan. These were ceremonial, rather than practical, and for example, one was given to King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) by the Maharaja of Kashmir when he toured India in 1875.

For a similar example, please see the Worcester Art Museum website, object number: 2014.1019.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170530

Surface wear as expected with age and use and missing handle. Abrasions to convex face with black patina and toning. Some minor nicks and wear to bosses, otherwise excellent condition. Verso has a heavy russet patina.