Dhal (shield)

Culture Punjab , northern India

Datemid 1800s

Medium"watered" steel, gold, fabric, leather and iron

Dimensionsdiameter: 37 cm; 4 lb 1 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.120

DescriptionWatered steel. Circular, rising to domed center; central plain dome of a single sheet of (probably watered) steel, encircled by outer ring of perhaps lower-grade steel, having an overlapping seam, the two components riveted together about the shared perimeter. Punch-dot in center, presumably used to orient the workman in raising.

Grip apparatus secured under four large bossets decorated with gold koft-gari birds in foliage. Flanges are pierced and palmette-shaped. Outer registers are decorated with cartouches containing Arabic inscription and with alternate leaf and petal scroll or leaf scroll alone. Applied rim with traces of gold koft-gari. Back with wide reinforcing plate riveted on edge. Faded red velvet on burlap lining with central rectangular stuffed pad held by an iron eye hook with large iron ring at each bosset. One pair has leather arm strap. Other, missing.
ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on March 14, 1931 from The American Art Association, NYC., sale no. 3894, lot no. 616 of the Daniel Z. Noorian Collection. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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