Signed Dhal Shield
Full Description:
A beautifully painted 19th century Indian ‘Dhal’ shield from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The convex shield, with rolled edge, is made from treated Elk hide and the entire surface painted. The centre has discs of floral patterns, with an outer sunburst in gold. The main area of the shield has a deep-red repeating floral patterns on a black background. The outer rim painted with a thick off-white to match one of the central discs and surrounded with another sunburst. Four brass bosses seated on a textile base so as not to damage the painted surface.
The rear is painted red, with a gold border, and scattered gold circular decoration. Iron rings, and a red silk covered pad with brocade border. Signed by the maker:
Khooshal Dhunjee & Sons
Painter and Shield Makers
Dhalgarwada Street
City Ahmedabad
Bombay Presidency
India
A similar shield was presented to the Prince of Wales 1875-76 by the Nawab of Balasinor, Bombay Presidency (The Royal Collection, RCIN: 38128), see Clarke, 1910 (Elgood 2008)?