Indo-Persian Dhal Shield more info

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by naborow

sorry about pics must be doing something wrong

Salaams naborow ~ Interesting shield displaying a variety of scenes including the main band of decoration with the cyclic pattern of the procession of people horses camels and elephants ..The entire shield then decorated in what looks like gold Koftgari work. The outer band of work seems to be blackened background or Neilo work... achieved by using acid and a sulphurous mixture to obtain the black colour. As usual the 4 hand grip covers seen on the front are nicely cut and decorated . I wonder if the initial pattern on these shields was done by spinning~ and old technique going back to the 11th Century where the object being worked was spun on a heavy lathe like contraption and the patterning die was rammed into the work at speed giving the basic imprint onto the plate or shield being spun... and after refinished by hand. Spinning. Often detected by a large centering dot in the "centre" of the work.
Presumably this Indian Dhal was a parade item? Circa 1900?

If you do decide to clean it ~ Be careful that you do not clean off the black Neilo ... avoid cleaning solutions altogether on the outer Neilo ring. (In fact dont even go onto that section !) Use no agressive materials or chemicals and ... oh well you know ... do a bit at a time and see what works best starting off with hot soapy water probably going no further up the acid scale than pineapple juice or coke cola... always rinse the work off with clean hot water at the end of each session and dry... keep off the Koftgari !
Personally I would give the entire outer section a miss and focus on the main processional ring. See what it looks like after it has been washed in hot soapy water then rinsed.

The other alternative is to do nothing and present the shield with the helmet and a sword on a stand... very nice.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.