A POLYCHROME-PAINTED AND LACQUERED RHINO HIDE SHIELD (DHAL) WITH HINDU DEITIES
Rajasthan, North-Western India, late 18th - early 19th century

Of circular shape with an outward-turned rim, polychrome-painted, gilt, and lacquered, decorated with Hindu deities including Varaha and Brahma, and further courtly subjects with haloes, possibly identified as local Rajput rulers and their courtiers, interspersed amidst lush wild flower bouquets, with four applied bronze bosses with stellar collars and a bronze crescent, 46cm diam.

Provenance: Christie's South Kensington, 11 October 2013, lot 518.