Shield with scenes of hunting lions

Four lions rendered in radiant gold paint move across this ceremonial Rajput shield. One male lion sits up and flexes its claws, while three others lunge upon a goat, a boar, and a winged monster (perhaps a chilin or an exaggeration of a crocodile). The artist paid close attention to details, depicting individual hairs, shading the petals of flowers, and painting the piercing eyes of both carnivores and their victims. The scenes of animal combat on this shield are set in a lush landscape, divided by trees and dense vegetation. Small animals and birds inhabit the entire surface, including the borders.

Lions are familiar symbols of royalty in India. Many royal houses bear the family name "Singh" (lion), and historical inscriptions often liken the power of a Hindu king to that of a lion, the animal lord of the wilderness. Thus, this luxurious shield not only highlights the talents of its artist but also symbolizes the strength of its royal patron. (label text from Sport of Kings exhibition January 2005).