4200€
Mewar shield
Overall length
61cm
Materials
Lacquered leather, paint, metal, textile
Origin
Rajasthan, Udaipur
Dating
uncertain
Weight
2840grams
Presented here is a circular, convex shield made of lacquered leather, richly decorated with a gold-painted tapestry decoration depicting processional scenes, hunting with rifles, and fortified palaces, all enlivened by dynamic figures. In the center, a personified solar medallion, emblem of the god Surya, framed by four gilded metal bosses. Black lacquered reverse, with four iron suspension rings.
The shape and decorations of this shield are part of a well-established decorative tradition characteristic of Rajput military and ceremonial art.
UVF photography at the University of Ghent (Belgium) revealed 'a plant based resinous coating of at least 80 years old', but we cannot confirm dating.
References:
Private collection, France, J.-P. L.
Runjeet Singh, Antiques Arms & Armour, ref. 456.
A similar shield recently sold for 7000€ at Millon, Paris
Price:
4200€
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