Description & Technical information
These two lavishly decorated jewelled bosses originally adorned an Indian dhal ("shield"). The gold bosses are framed by rubies in the style of red petals followed by two bands of bud motifs decorated with rubies and emeralds which surrounds the central band of diamond rosettes to complete the floral motif.
In addition to adorning the exterior of a shield, bosses had a practical function, for Indian shields were fitted with a pair of handgrips fastened to the interior of the shield by means of rivets; hence the bosses served to conceal the rivets on the front of shields.[1]
References
[1] Salam Kaoukji. 2017. Precious Indian Weapons and Other Princely Accoutrements. London: Thames & Hudson. p.427.
Date: 18th century
Period: 1750-1850, 18th century
Origin: India
Medium: gold
Dimensions: 5.5 cm (2¹/₈ inches)
Categories: Arms & armour
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