Bidspirit auction | A PAIR OF ENGRAVED INDIAN

A PAIR OF ENGRAVED INDIAN ARM GUARDS, BAZU BAND - India or Deccan, Ca. 17th–18th century AD. A finely worked pair of steel arm guards (bazu band), decorated in repoussé and chiselled technique. The curved plates are of tapering form, reinforced at the forearm with raised central ridges in a bold chevron pattern terminating in a diamond-shaped boss. The edges are bordered with bands of Islamic calligraphy interspersed with floral roundels, rendered in low-relief against a finely punched ground. The outer edges are reinforced with brass-riveted scalloped trim, and the interior still retains parts of the original leather straps for fastening. These protective forearm guards were worn by elite cavalrymen or warriors, often as part of a larger suit of armour. The richly decorated surfaces and calligraphic bands suggest they were produced for a high-ranking figure, perhaps a Mughal noble or a Deccani sultanate commander. The engraved inscriptions may have been intended to provide divine protection in battle.Size: 325-330mm x 120-125mm; Weight: 1.85kgProvenance: Previous property of a UK based Islamic art professional. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.