A QAJAR SILVER-INLAID STEEL CHILD SHIELD
Iran, 19th century

Of circular shape, with reinforced brass rim and four hemispherical bosses with floral collars inlaid with brass floral motifs, the exterior decorated with silver-inlaid vegetal tendrils creeping near polylobed medallions with bust portraits of a Qajar youth, the central circular medallion engraved with a spotted and horned div (demon) showing its fangs, two concentric bands near the rim worked with acid-etched calligraphic cartouches, the interior with its original red cotton lining and padding, 27.5cm diam.