Attractive and unusual Indian Dhal shield. Heavy hide painted to front and back with brown designs and panels of floral decoration. Very unusual steel bosses to the front, a set of four central in the shape of flower heads, a further two smaller circular ones, the top surmounted by a steel crescent. The reverse painted to the rim, and retaining its original cushioned hand pad. Circa 1800, 20 inches approximately diameter. Some loss to paint in small areas to the front, inherently fragile due to delicate paintwork, slight warpage.
indopersian