A Fascinating Indian Shield....What is its Symbolic Significance???

[Battara]

I will hazard a guess, having seen this in hand. These animals on one level seem to be animals seen on a hunt, which was a popular thing back then. Perhaps a sign of manhood, skill, and warriorship?

[Royston]

That is one beautiful shield.

Interesting to see that the animals are made separately and riveted on.

I agree that hunting scenes are common on Indian arms. See the engraving on my zagnal.

Roy

[VANDOO]

THE ANIMALS REPRESENTED SEEM TO BE LEOPARD, JACKAL, RABBIT, BLACKBUCK AND HUNTING DOG. IT LOOKS LIKE A LEOPARD HAS CAUGHT A BLACKBUCK. NO TIGERS OR ELEPHANTS AS OFTEN SEEN IN INDIAN DESIGNS ESPECIALLY THOSE TELLING OF ROYAL TIGER HUNTS. BEAUTIFUL WORKMANSHIP AND PERHAPS IT DOES TELL A STORY? BUT I WOULD GUESS IT WAS MADE FOR SHOW NOT FOR ACTUAL USE. NO DOUBT THE SNAKE SYMBOLIZES SOMETHING AS WELL IF THERE IS A STORY BEING TOLD BUT IT MAY JUST BE A PRETTY DESIGN WITH ANIMALS RUNNING ON A FLORAL BACK GROUND, A BEAUTIFUL ITEM EITHER WAY.

[Runjeet Singh]

Hi Charles,

This shield has been bugging me all week, I have seen similar but couldn't remember where - well I had chance to go through my books, and found the one I had been thinking of, in fact there are at least three - all in the Royal Collection, at Sandringham.

Pics attached of one, they are described as blued steel, decorated with gold-damascening and riveted profile cut representations of wild animals; the field surrounded by four bosses encrusted with gold. Punjab province (Gujarat or Sialcot type) 19thC. Two are said to have been presented by H.H the Maharaja of Kapurthala, and a third presented by HH Maharaja of Bundelkhand. The latter said to be have an applied band of loop and knot pattern, which in my experience can be in the form of a snake.

Now we have a point of reference, and we all agree yours is a beautiful shield, we now need someone of authority to comment on any religious / symbolical significance there may lie in the design.

Hope that helps - Runjeet.

[spiral]

Further to Runjeets excellent post, recall & research, about Charles rather wonderful & rare shield.

There is a website that lists many items in the Royal collection.

The photos will magnify...

There actually 4 listed Maharaja of Kapurthala shields with riveted animals.









The Maharaja of Bundelkhand shield. Rather Different style but I love it!...



As an aside Here a link to the British royal familys kukris on the website.. . But the search function for anything will work from there...

Its a great website for collectors of many pieces... {Just type in Ruby, Ivory, sword whatever... Thieve got it all...}

spiral

Link to King & Queen of Englands favourite keeper kukri!

[spiral]

If you right click the banned pics, click properties, click copy , then paste that in your browser address bar you will be able to see the images, that will help...

Shame its so complicated...... Guess that's the forum software?


Obviously I don't have the authority to directly & permanently copy them to this website...


spiral

[CharlesS]

Thanks so much for the input on these guys. This should certainly square away the origins of the shield. I think mine is a little more complex than those shown, and likely larger.

Note, also, that mine lacks the central ornament in favor of a similar shape in koftgari.

This may very well be a hunting shield and perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I believe there is more symbolism there than hunting.

Hopefully we can learn more.

Thanks again for all the input and references.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by spiral

If you right click the banned pics, click properties, click copy , then paste that in your browser address bar you will be able to see the images, that will help...

Shame its so complicated...... Guess that's the forum software?


Obviously I don't have the authority to directly & permanently copy them to this website...


spiral

I do not understand why you would have a problem posting some images.