A POLYCHROME-PAINTED LACQUERED TURTLE SHELL CEREMONIAL SHIELD (DHAL)
Rajasthan, North-Western India, 19th century

Made from the large carapace of a sea turtle, gilt, polychrome-painted, and lacquered, the convex surface with a medial ridge featuring the head of an Indian cobra snake at the top, four central gilt bronze bosses with star collars, the outer border painted in polychromes and gold, portraying several Hindu gods including Skanda, the god of War; Garuda, Vishnu's vahana; Krishna playing the flute; Durga riding a tiger; and several more, interspersed amidst Rajput rulers and hunters chasing animals, all set against a ground of lush green leaves and vegetal sprays, professionally mounted on a wooden board with support and hanging hoops at the back, the shield approximately 73cm x 62cm, 97cm x 78.5cm including the mount.