A QAJAR GILT-COPPER SHIELD
Iran, late 19th century

Of convex circular shape, with four applied bosses with floral collars and a reinforced rim, in the centre a star-shaped calligraphic cartouche with the motto of the Safavid king Shah 'Abbas 'The servant of King of Trusteeship, 'Abbas' in Persian script, radiating from it several other cartouches of different shapes filled with pairs of birds and animals, such as hares, foxes, lambs, lions and gazelles, and youths seated in the wilderness, the negative space filled with flowers and foliage, the outer rim with oblong cartouches filled with calligraphy against vegetal sprays, the interior with part of the original lining, the padding now lost, 44.3cm diam.

Provenance: Bonhams London, Knightsbridge, Antique Arms & Armour, 4 April 2007, part of lot 38.