Shield Called Dhal Or Sipar Indo-persian End Of The 18th – Beginning Of The 19th Century

SHIELD known as Dhal or Sipar
Indo-Persian
Late 18th–early 19th century
Steel and fabric
Diameter: 55 cm

Popular in India and Persia, steel shields were richly decorated with animated scenes and Arabic calligraphy mentioning Allah and other invocations and religious formulas, presumably Koranic verses or protective prayers, which often accompanied Islamic military objects to promote divine protection.

Organized around a central round medallion, the decoration features some twenty stylized figures, birds, animals, and dolphins against a background of flowers and foliage, punctuated by eight large vases of flowers.

The frieze around the edge of the shield features Persian poems or verses from the Koran, arranged in cartouches. Brass bulge.

Four dented rivets support the four rings attaching the two handles to the reverse side. Fabric and leather section on the inside to prevent rubbing.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

LP. 6297