Bidspirit auction | A 19th Century Indian Hide

A 19th Century Indian Hide Dhal Shield with Decorative Brass Bosses - BY ORDER OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER - This is a 19th century Indian dhal, or shield, constructed from a single circular piece of thick, semi-translucent animal hide, traditionally sourced from rhinoceros or water buffalo. The exterior features four primary brass bosses, or umbones, arranged in a square formation around the centre. Each boss is decorated with repousse foliate and floral patterns and finished with a scalloped, sunburst-style rim. An additional smaller openwork brass mount is affixed to one side, depicting a central avian figure and a larger stylized animal-head terminal. The reverse of the shield retains its original square fabric-covered bolster in shades of purple and red. Two leather hand straps are attached to iron rings located behind the external bosses. No maker's marks or inscriptions are visible on the metalwork or shield.