An unique old leather Mughal Dhal Shield. Beautuiful colored shield with handle known as a dhal or sipar, a form of buckler, or small shield made to be gripped with a handle that would have threaded through the 4 brass rings on the verso. The dhal shield originated in India and the design spread to the places in between the area of modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan. These were ceremonial, rather than practical, and for example, one was given to King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) by the Maharaja of Kashmir when he toured India in 1875-76. The dhal is a type of buckler or shield found in the Indian subcontinent. They are nearly always geometrically round and yet they vary in diameter from about eight inches to twenty-four inches. Some are nearly flat while others are strongly convex or curved. The edges may be flat or rolled back in the reverse direction to that of the curvature of the shield. Dhal shields were either made from metal or hide. Leather shields were made from a great variety of animals found in the Indian subcontinent. The hide shields were made from either water buffalo, sambar deer. Good condition with traces of wear and tear and a beautiful aged patina. Provenance: former private collection from Germany. Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured. May as well be viewed and picked up at the Asian African Art Gallery in Vessem (NL). Welcome to bid on my other items: https://auction.catawiki.com/lotsfrom/Huubio4