A QAJAR GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL HELMET (KHULA KHUD) AND ARMGUARD (BAZUBAND)
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Comprising a steel helmet of typical high-domed shape, with applied faceted upper spike finial, adjustable nose-guard and two plume holders, a shaped two-tone mail skirt below decorated in the 'tiger-skin' pattern, the helmet engraved with figural battle scenes with riders on horseback shooting arrows and whisking swords and clubs at their opponents, interspersed amidst arabesques, and floral and vegetal motifs, around the base a band of oval cartouches filled with bold silver-inlaid nasta'liq calligraphy, 32.2cm high without mail skirt; and a similarly decorated gold-damascened bazuband, engraved with three cusped medallions featuring Qajar riders on horseback, the central rider caught performing the Parthian shot, the border decorated with interlocking vegetal scrolls, 37cm high.