Bidspirit auction | A LARGE ENGRAVED INDO-PERSIAN STEEL

A LARGE ENGRAVED INDO-PERSIAN STEEL SHIELD (DHAL) - Northern India or Iran, Ca. 18th -19th century AD . A circular convex shield finely engraved with a central roundel of dense knotted Kufic inscriptions, encircled by figural and floral motifs including musicians, nobles, and courtiers amid foliage. The outer register bears bold calligraphic bands in thuluth script, possibly Qur'anic verses or royal panegyrics. Four applied domed bosses are arranged around the central medallion, each secured with scalloped copper washers, likely covering rivets for the inner hand grips. The outer rim is bordered in brass. The reverse was likely originally lined and fitted with rings for a carrying strap, now missing. The darkened patina and surface wear highlight the intricacy of the engraved decoration.Size: 450mm x 80mm; Weight: 1.64kgProvenance: 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.