POSSIBLY GUJARAT, NORTH-WEST INDIA, FIRST HALF 20TH CENTURY

Details

A BRASS SHIELD
POSSIBLY GUJARAT, NORTH-WEST INDIA, FIRST HALF 20TH CENTURY
Of circular convex form, with applied bosses and crescent moon, the openwork decoration comprising wrathful deities on dense swaying foliate and floral ground, the reverse with two handles and hand cushion, on modern stand
16.½ in. (42 cm.) diameter

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Lot Essay

The present lot has four bosses and crescents familiar from a north Indian type. The present shield was not intended for battle, but is instead a ceremonial shield; indeed the open-work decoration would not have allowed for much protection during battle. The decorative pattern is reminiscent of the dense foliate motifs used on the repoussé silverware of Kutch. The famed silversmith of Kutch, Oomersi Mawji, was, as were some other smiths with him, a shield maker before turning to silverwork (W. Wilkinson, Indian Silver 1858-1947, London 1999, pp. 64-101, pl. 97-105, 109, 110, 112).

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