Possible date attribution for Persian shield

rand · 26th March 2009, 11:07 PM

Attached photo's are of a parade shield with a rolled rim. You see this type of shield with a brass edge that is riveted on and also with the rolled steel rim. In my minds eye the rolled steel rim the mark of a slightly better made armour.

This shield also has a chiseled floral decoration and is further embelished with gold and silver koftgari, also has silver sheet overlay on the calligraphy only.

rand · 26th March 2009, 11:09 PM

Here is a Persian bowl in the Moser Collection that is dated 1838

rand · 26th March 2009, 11:13 PM

Here is a Section from the shield with similar design element.

rand · 26th March 2009, 11:18 PM

From a comparison of the oval shape left in the floral design from the absence of being completely filled in with gold overlay, seems these two examples of metalwork are from the same time period and area.

To me this is compelling evidence that this is a Persian shield dating to the second quarter this the 19th century during the reign of Faht Ali Shah.

rand

rand · 27th March 2009, 04:56 PM

When one is trying to determine the age of Islamic arms there is a generalism of the better the craftsmanship the old the object is. But this is something that is not written in stone, there are exceptions in levels of craftsmenship both in single pieces and also during reigns.

In Persian art the Safavid period (1502-1722) is considered a time of high levels of quality craftsmanship coupled with strong support of artisens from the ruling class.

During the following Qajar Dynasty (1781-1925), the Period of Faht Ali Shah's rule, (1797-1834) also seems to have a resurgence in the level of craftsmanship. There is even the rebirth of earlier designs- patterns, possibly reaching to bring back the glory from their history.

The Persian culture has a long history that shows their appreciation of metalwork. The book "Persian Steel", The Tanavoli Collection, by James Allan shows many examples of every day use articles made from embellished steel. Just point this out because the Persian culture in particular seems to have an afinity for articles made from steel.

rand

Jim McDougall · 27th March 2009, 05:31 PM

Outstanding observations Rand! and a great approach in the understanding of fine Islamic pieces. What you have pointed out is extremely helpful in trying to estimate period and regional affinities by comparison of motif with provenanced material culture and art from associated regions.

Going further, it is fascinating to discover the symbolism often imbued beyond the decorative motif. It seems that often certain botanicals carry key symbolism that may represent not only religious but sometimes traditional or political themes. There is always more to art than meets the eye, as seen popularly in the book and movie, "The DaVinci Code", and while somewhat fanciful and embellished, this illustrates the concept quite well. Even in the artwork in certain temples, some of the themes are believed to carry concealed messages recognizable only to those well versed in the deep esoterica associated with the culture there.

I think one of the best references that discusses this approach in the study of the art in weaponry is "Hindu Arms and Ritual" by Robert Elgood. Though most of the references well known discussing Islamic weapons are typically great for understanding typology, it has seemed to me that they often do not go deeply enough into this concept in understanding the symbolism. While this reference is obviously on Hindu arms, the concept itself is beautifully described by Dr. Elgood.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful example, and the great observations!

All the best,
Jim

26th March 2009, 11:07 PM	#1
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 538	Possible date attribution for Persian shield Attached photo's are of a parade shield with a rolled rim. You see this type of shield with a brass edge that is riveted on and also with the rolled steel rim. In my minds eye the rolled steel rim the mark of a slightly better made armour. This shield also has a chiseled floral decoration and is further embelished with gold and silver koftgari, also has silver sheet overlay on the calligraphy only. Attached Images

26th March 2009, 11:09 PM	#2
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 538	Moser Collection Persian Bowl dated 1838 Here is a Persian bowl in the Moser Collection that is dated 1838 Attached Images

26th March 2009, 11:13 PM	#3
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 538	Section from shield with similar design Here is a Section from the shield with similar design element. Attached Images

26th March 2009, 11:18 PM	#4
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 538	Comparison From a comparison of the oval shape left in the floral design from the absence of being completely filled in with gold overlay, seems these two examples of metalwork are from the same time period and area. To me this is compelling evidence that this is a Persian shield dating to the second quarter this the 19th century during the reign of Faht Ali Shah. rand

27th March 2009, 04:56 PM	#5
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 538	Older is Better Generality When one is trying to determine the age of Islamic arms there is a generalism of the better the craftsmanship the old the object is. But this is something that is not written in stone, there are exceptions in levels of craftsmenship both in single pieces and also during reigns. In Persian art the Safavid period (1502-1722) is considered a time of high levels of quality craftsmanship coupled with strong support of artisens from the ruling class. During the following Qajar Dynasty (1781-1925), the Period of Faht Ali Shah's rule, (1797-1834) also seems to have a resurgence in the level of craftsmanship. There is even the rebirth of earlier designs- patterns, possibly reaching to bring back the glory from their history. The Persian culture has a long history that shows their appreciation of metalwork. The book "Persian Steel", The Tanavoli Collection, by James Allan shows many examples of every day use articles made from embellished steel. Just point this out because the Persian culture in particular seems to have an afinity for articles made from steel. rand

27th March 2009, 05:31 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,893	Outstanding observations Rand! and a great approach in the understanding of fine Islamic pieces. What you have pointed out is extremely helpful in trying to estimate period and regional affinities by comparison of motif with provenanced material culture and art from associated regions. Going further, it is fascinating to discover the symbolism often imbued beyond the decorative motif. It seems that often certain botanicals carry key symbolism that may represent not only religious but sometimes traditional or political themes. There is always more to art than meets the eye, as seen popularly in the book and movie, "The DaVinci Code", and while somewhat fanciful and embellished, this illustrates the concept quite well. Even in the artwork in certain temples, some of the themes are believed to carry concealed messages recognizable only to those well versed in the deep esoterica associated with the culture there. I think one of the best references that discusses this approach in the study of the art in weaponry is "Hindu Arms and Ritual" by Robert Elgood. Though most of the references well known discussing Islamic weapons are typically great for understanding typology, it has seemed to me that they often do not go deeply enough into this concept in understanding the symbolism. While this reference is obviously on Hindu arms, the concept itself is beautifully described by Dr. Elgood. Thank you for sharing the beautiful example, and the great observations! All the best, Jim