Indo-persian 'dhal' Shield In Steel And Koftgari - India - 19th Century

Fine-worked circular steel dhal-type shield dating from the 19th century. The outer surface features remarkable inlaid decoration using the koftgari technique, combining gold and silver threads delicately hammered into the metal.

The rim is adorned with a stylized animal frieze, composed of gilded brass figures of felines and fantastical creatures, attached by rivets, giving the whole a dynamic, decorative rhythm. The central field is enriched with engraved and gilded floral and plant motifs, typical of Indo-Persian aesthetics.

Four hemispherical bosses, mounted on cut-out rosettes, structure the composition while reinforcing the shield's solidity. The antique patina of the steel, with its traces of use and oxidation, testifies to its authenticity and age.

The interior retains its original textile covering, made up of strips of striped fabric in warm hues, as well as a central pad and fasteners for gripping.