Small Indo-Persian Dhal | Shield | Circa Mughal - 19th Century

Provenance & Ownership History
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Formerly held in a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Subsequently offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in its Decorative Arts and Silver Online Auction on October 22, 2015, as Lot 194. The piece later entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

$1,250.00
$1,250.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
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19th century Indo-Persian steel dhal shield with red black lacquer and damascened foliate motifs
Video of Indo-Persian Dhal shield with red and black lacquer, damascened foliate motifs, four raised bosses, and interior grips
Indo-Persian lacquered dhal shield with four brass bosses and red foliate motifs displayed on stand.8297
19th-century Indo-Persian warrior shield featuring intricate red and black lacquer designs and raised bosses.
Antique Indo-Persian dhal shield showing damascened patterns and four domed bosses on display stand.
Mughal-era Indo-Persian circular shield with detailed lacquer decoration and central foliate motif.
Indo-Persian Dhal shield in lacquered steel with red and black decoration and damascened foliate motifs
Small Mughal-style Dhal shield with four raised bosses and intricate lacquered steel surface decoration
Antique Indian or Persian steel shield with damascened floral motifs and original interior grips
Indo-Persian circular shield with red and black lacquer, raised bosses, and decorative foliate detailing
Mughal to 19th-century Dhal shield with steel construction, interior handles, and knuckle-guard cushion
Antique Indo-Persian defensive shield measuring 11 inches in diameter with ornate lacquer and damascening
Decorated Indian or Persian Dhal shield with four bosses, ring-bolt grips, and aged surface patina
  • 19th century Indo-Persian steel dhal shield with red black lacquer and damascened foliate motifs
  • Video of Indo-Persian Dhal shield with red and black lacquer, damascened foliate motifs, four raised bosses, and interior grips
  • Indo-Persian lacquered dhal shield with four brass bosses and red foliate motifs displayed on stand.8297
  • 19th-century Indo-Persian warrior shield featuring intricate red and black lacquer designs and raised bosses.
  • Antique Indo-Persian dhal shield showing damascened patterns and four domed bosses on display stand.
  • Mughal-era Indo-Persian circular shield with detailed lacquer decoration and central foliate motif.
  • Indo-Persian Dhal shield in lacquered steel with red and black decoration and damascened foliate motifs
  • Small Mughal-style Dhal shield with four raised bosses and intricate lacquered steel surface decoration
  • Antique Indian or Persian steel shield with damascened floral motifs and original interior grips
  • Indo-Persian circular shield with red and black lacquer, raised bosses, and decorative foliate detailing
  • Mughal to 19th-century Dhal shield with steel construction, interior handles, and knuckle-guard cushion
  • Antique Indo-Persian defensive shield measuring 11 inches in diameter with ornate lacquer and damascening
  • Decorated Indian or Persian Dhal shield with four bosses, ring-bolt grips, and aged surface patina
19th century Indo-Persian steel dhal shield with red black lacquer and damascened foliate motifs
Video of Indo-Persian Dhal shield with red and black lacquer, damascened foliate motifs, four raised bosses, and interior grips
Indo-Persian lacquered dhal shield with four brass bosses and red foliate motifs displayed on stand.8297
19th-century Indo-Persian warrior shield featuring intricate red and black lacquer designs and raised bosses.
Antique Indo-Persian dhal shield showing damascened patterns and four domed bosses on display stand.
Mughal-era Indo-Persian circular shield with detailed lacquer decoration and central foliate motif.
Indo-Persian Dhal shield in lacquered steel with red and black decoration and damascened foliate motifs
Small Mughal-style Dhal shield with four raised bosses and intricate lacquered steel surface decoration
Antique Indian or Persian steel shield with damascened floral motifs and original interior grips
Indo-Persian circular shield with red and black lacquer, raised bosses, and decorative foliate detailing
Mughal to 19th-century Dhal shield with steel construction, interior handles, and knuckle-guard cushion
Antique Indo-Persian defensive shield measuring 11 inches in diameter with ornate lacquer and damascening
Decorated Indian or Persian Dhal shield with four bosses, ring-bolt grips, and aged surface patina
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Small Indo-Persian Dhal | Shield | Circa Mughal - 19th Century

Description
More Less

Historical Context & Origin

Region: India or Persia
Material: Lacquered and damascened steel with interior cushion and grips
Period: Mughal to 19th Century

Description

This striking small-sized Dhal (shield), measuring approximately 11 inches in diameter, is an exquisite example of Indo-Persian craftsmanship. Circular in form, it is decorated with intricate red and black lacquer designs and damascened foliate motifs, blending both artistry and functionality. Four raised bosses reinforce the shield structurally while securing the rivets for its interior grip system. The reverse side retains its original two sturdy handles, attached with ring bolts, and a square cushion serving as a knuckle guard—ensuring comfort and maneuverability in combat.

Features

- Circular convex shield, 11 in diameter

- Red and black lacquer with damascened foliate motifs

- Four raised bosses, decorative and functional

- Interior grips with ring bolts and square knuckle-guard cushion

- Compact size, ideal for display or study

Cultural Significance

The Dhal shield was an essential defensive armament across India and Persia, particularly during the Mughal period and into the 19th century. Engineered to deflect swords, arrows, and spears, it was both a practical battlefield implement and a status symbol of its owner. Embellished with fine decoration, such shields often reflected the prestige of noble warriors, cavalrymen, and elite guards. This piece stands as a testament to the fusion of artistry and martial necessity in the Indo-Persian world.

Condition

Well-preserved with visible lacquer and damascened decoration. Surface wear consistent with age and use enhances its authenticity.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 11 in

Age (Approximate)

125–325 years old

Provenance 

Formerly held in a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Subsequently offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in its Decorative Arts and Silver Online Auction on October 22, 2015, as Lot 194. The piece later entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Explore the History of Indo-Persian Dhal Shields

Browse our Collection of Ancient Combat Artifacts & Weapons

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: India or Persia
Material: Lacquered and damascened steel with interior cushion and grips
Period: Mughal to 19th Century

Description

This striking small-sized Dhal (shield), measuring approximately 11 inches in diameter, is an exquisite example of Indo-Persian craftsmanship. Circular in form, it is decorated with intricate red and black lacquer designs and damascened foliate motifs, blending both artistry and functionality. Four raised bosses reinforce the shield structurally while securing the rivets for its interior grip system. The reverse side retains its original two sturdy handles, attached with ring bolts, and a square cushion serving as a knuckle guard—ensuring comfort and maneuverability in combat.

Features

- Circular convex shield, 11 in diameter

- Red and black lacquer with damascened foliate motifs

- Four raised bosses, decorative and functional

- Interior grips with ring bolts and square knuckle-guard cushion

- Compact size, ideal for display or study

Cultural Significance

The Dhal shield was an essential defensive armament across India and Persia, particularly during the Mughal period and into the 19th century. Engineered to deflect swords, arrows, and spears, it was both a practical battlefield implement and a status symbol of its owner. Embellished with fine decoration, such shields often reflected the prestige of noble warriors, cavalrymen, and elite guards. This piece stands as a testament to the fusion of artistry and martial necessity in the Indo-Persian world.

Condition

Well-preserved with visible lacquer and damascened decoration. Surface wear consistent with age and use enhances its authenticity.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 11 in

Age (Approximate)

125–325 years old

Provenance 

Formerly held in a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Subsequently offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in its Decorative Arts and Silver Online Auction on October 22, 2015, as Lot 194. The piece later entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Explore the History of Indo-Persian Dhal Shields

Browse our Collection of Ancient Combat Artifacts & Weapons

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