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1 of 253523 objects
Shield nineteenth century
Steel, gold and silk brocade | 7.0 x 35.5 x 35.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 37467
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A blued steel shield or dhal. The surface decorated with gold floral patterning and applied with representations of wild animals from steel. The shield lined with silk brocade and fitted with a silk brocaded cushion.
The intricate floral patterning is applied using a technique called kuftkari, The technique involves crosshatching the surface of the shield before gold wire is hammered into the grooves of a pattern as decoration. Craftsmen working in Sialkot and Gujrat (in modern-day Pakistan) were renowned for this type of decoration, particularly on arms and armour.Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Kharak Singh, Raja of Kapurthala.
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Medium and techniques
Steel, gold and silk brocade
Measurements
7.0 x 35.5 x 35.5 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
Punjab [India]