THREE INDIAN PARADE SHIELDS
Kashmir and Northern India, late 19th century

Comprising a pair of circular iron shields, painted in black and gold, the convex centre gently raised, reminiscent of Indian shields used in training and battle practice, the back plain with a simple iron handle, without any padding, each 40cm diam.; and a decorative ceremonial Kashmiri brass shield, with four raised bosses, engraved with typical Kashmiri motifs, the central medallion filled with a stylised flowerhead against intricate vegetal meanders, on each side of the central roundel four vases sprouting lush floral bouquets against vegetal sprays within cusped cartouches, further vegetal motifs on the outer band closer to the rim, the back plain without any padding, 37.4cm diam.

Provenance: Bonhams London, Knightsbridge, Antique Arms & Armour, 4 April 2007, part of lot 38.