PROBABLY IRAN, 9-12TH CENTURY

Details

A GOLD WASHED STEEL HELMET
PROBABLY IRAN, 9-12TH CENTURY
Of domed form, the upper section left plain but for an applied point rising from the top. The lower rim with a broad band rising vertically with remains of gold decoration and an applied three-pointed shape to one side, to the top of the register is a line of repoussé roundels
7¾in. (20cm.) high

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

This helmet has fewer features than the preceding one to help firmly place its origin. Its most prominent element is the applied broad band around the base which was substantialy gilded. Helmets of very similar form with gilded bands around the base can be seen in a Gospels in the miniatures with miniatures painted in Mosul in 1220 (Michael Gorelik, "Oriental Armour of the Near and Middle East from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries as shown in works of art, in Robert Elgood (ed.), Islamic Arms and Armour, London, 1979, pls.36 and 37, pp.32-3). A similar form with clearly raised lower band, albeit below an uper section that is also ridged, is to be seen on a stucco figure of a Central Asian warrior dating from the 8th-10th century (H. Russell Robinson, Oriental Arms and Armour, London, 1967, fig.14, p.27).

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