Dhal

Like the weapons and other articles presented to the Prince of Wales in India during the winter of 1875-6, this is a particularly elaborate and rich example of a traditional form. Shields of this type (Dhal) were usually made of hide, often painted or lacquered with metal bosses applied at the points to which the handles were fastened on the reverse. In this instance the front of the shield is made of silver gilt, decorated overall with champlevé enamels, mounted with four bosses and inset with seven tear-shaped ornaments and a crescent motif, all set with diamonds. The colours employed for the enamelling and the subject matter - numerous animals and birds, some of which are attacking one another - are characteristic of Lucknow work of the 18th and 19th centuries. The four jewelled borders around the edges are formed on segmental plates about 20 centimetres long, whose joins are disguised in ingenious ways. The thickness of the shield is probably filled with lac and the reverse is a plain lacquered brass disc.