ËœAN INDIAN RHINOCEROS HIDE SHIELD (DHAL), LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY

of low convex form, fitted with four gilt-copper alloy bosses each chased with flowers and foliage against a punched ground and set with a central blue paste, corresponding on the inside to four iron rings with enarmes (one broken), a further chased gilt-copper alloy crescent at the top, the outer surface painted with a band of flowers and foliage around the border and a central flowerhead (losses), the interior painted with a band of gold conventional foliage around the rim (losses), with a green silk covered pad and painted with early inventory number 19837.Or.3027

54.5 cm; 21 1/2 in diameter

Shields of this type were often made for ceremonial or courtly purposes. A more richly decorated example was presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Vibhaji II Ranmalji, Jam Sahib of Nawanagar. See Royal Collection (RCIN 11458).