9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
40
◉ A RARE INDIAN LACQUERED HIDE DHAL, 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY RAJPUT
of untanned rhinoceros hide and circular convex form, the outer surface lacquered in low relief in silver and polychrome with ferns and foliage in rocky landscapes, the latter against grounds of crushed abalone shell in Japanese aogai technique, all against a blackened lacquered ground (characteristic old crazing and minor chips) and set with four domed copper alloy bosses each with petalled border, the interior lacquered with stylised rock formations en suite, and with green velvet-covered pad with a ring at each corner for enarmes (replaced), 42.0 cm diameter
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 67C
A particularly close comparison to this shield, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 3321) was catalogued by Egerton as from Bikaner, Egerton 1981, p. 112, no. 448) https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O450186/shield-unknown/ (accessed 1 July 2026).
Another example of this rare type displaying Japanese influence is in the Royal Collection, presented to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, by the Nawab of Tonk, when he visited India in 1875-1876 (RCIN 11348; Meghani 2017, pp. 170-171). Others also in the Royal Collection are illustrated in Clarke 1892, pp. 2-3, Case B, no. 34; and Clarke 1910, pp. 6-8, Group E, no. 68, and pp. 40-41, Ball Room Corridor, Group T, no. 551. For another see Missillier and Ricketts 1988, pp. 40-41 and 201, no. 240, where it is noted that a shield of this group was presented to Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, and is now preserved at Kedleston Hall. The taxonomy of Indian shields is not yet fully described, and centres of production are not agreed. It is possible that this example comes from a Hindu centre.
Sold for £3,200
of untanned rhinoceros hide and circular convex form, the outer surface lacquered in low relief in silver and polychrome with ferns and foliage in rocky landscapes, the latter against grounds of crushed abalone shell in Japanese aogai technique, all against a blackened lacquered ground (characteristic old crazing and minor chips) and set with four domed copper alloy bosses each with petalled border, the interior lacquered with stylised rock formations en suite, and with green velvet-covered pad with a ring at each corner for enarmes (replaced), 42.0 cm diameter
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 67C
A particularly close comparison to this shield, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 3321) was catalogued by Egerton as from Bikaner, Egerton 1981, p. 112, no. 448) https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O450186/shield-unknown/ (accessed 1 July 2026).
Another example of this rare type displaying Japanese influence is in the Royal Collection, presented to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, by the Nawab of Tonk, when he visited India in 1875-1876 (RCIN 11348; Meghani 2017, pp. 170-171). Others also in the Royal Collection are illustrated in Clarke 1892, pp. 2-3, Case B, no. 34; and Clarke 1910, pp. 6-8, Group E, no. 68, and pp. 40-41, Ball Room Corridor, Group T, no. 551. For another see Missillier and Ricketts 1988, pp. 40-41 and 201, no. 240, where it is noted that a shield of this group was presented to Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, and is now preserved at Kedleston Hall. The taxonomy of Indian shields is not yet fully described, and centres of production are not agreed. It is possible that this example comes from a Hindu centre.
Auction: Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection, 9th Sep, 2026
Over a period of half a century, Philippe became one of the leading connoisseurs and independent scholars in the field of antique arms and armour from Europe, India and the Islamic world. Consulted by the world’s leading museums and collectors, Philippe possessed a remarkable eye for quality and rarity which is reflected in the objects offered in this sale.
His company was enjoyed at countless exhibitions and sales around the world, where he would greet colleagues with a hummed fanfare, invariably followed by a profound observation imbued with wit and scholarship in equal measure. Philippe belonged to a generation that truly mastered its subject, visiting every museum and attending as many auctions as he could while simultaneously assembling an important library.
A number of the pieces offered here were published in ‘Splendeur des Armes Orientales’, a landmark exhibition catalogue co-authored in collaboration with Howard Ricketts in 1988, and remains a standard reference today. Philippe wore his immense knowledge lightly, balancing academic rigour with good humour, listening generously to the opinions of colleagues, and invariably raising a smile.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 6th September June: 12pm - 4pm
Monday 7th September: 10am - 7pm (Drinks 6-7pm)
Tuesday 8th September: 10am - 5pm
CONTACT:
For further information please contact us | armsandarmour@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0) 20 7806 5541
