AN INDO-PERSIAN GILT-METAL MOUNTED STEEL DHAL SHIELD, 19TH C...

Hammer

£380

AN INDO-PERSIAN GILT-METAL MOUNTED STEEL DHAL SHIELD, 19TH CENTURY

This 19th-century Indo-Persian dhal is a circular shield of convex form constructed of steel. The face is densely decorated with chased and incised foliate and floral scrollwork. At the center is an applied yellow-metal medallion depicting a sun-in-splendor with a human face and swirling rays. This central element is surrounded by four raised, hemispherical dark steel bosses. The field includes additional applied brass figures consisting of four prowling tigers and three human figures depicted in traditional Indian attire. The outer decorative program features a wide band of scrolling foliage and a border containing several cartouches with incised North Indian script, likely Devanagari or a related regional variant. The outer edge is finished with a thin, rolled rim and a scalloped border pattern. The concave interior surface is unfinished and heavily oxidized, retaining four iron ring mounts with a length of old, frayed fibrous cord. 

Diameter: 44cm