Unusual Indian Shield

Runjeet Singh · 9th April 2013, 03:50 PM

Dear all,

Can anybody help identify or comment on the unusual Iconography on this Indian shield from the early 20th Century?

The velvet cushion gives some indication to the age, and the way the border of the cushion has copper stitching give some indication that this was made with some thought and expense.

Regards,
Runjeet

Andrew · 11th April 2013, 02:19 AM

Please do not post photos with commercial website URLs or watermarks.

A Senefelder · 11th April 2013, 01:07 PM

The iconography appears to be a blend of European mythology with Indian fashion. You have what appears to be a satyr in Indian garb, what I believe is called a cockatrice, something that may be a pheonix ect. Possibly this indicates it intention to target the English tourist market. This is a very nice late example by the way.

Runjeet Singh · 11th April 2013, 03:22 PM

Thank you for your reply - A.Senefelder, I think you are onto something, an idea I have also been toying with. I cannot find anything from Hindu mythology that accurately matches the images on the shield. So it could be a mixture of mythology - essentially the maker has been given artistic licence?

If that is the case, surely he has taken some influence from Persian art with the horsemen? And from Mysore (Tipu Sultan) with the distinct Bubri Tiger stripe - on a deer and on the legs of the half man / half beast?!

I attach a full image of the shield - to comply with Forum rules.

Regards,
Runjeet

A Senefelder · 11th April 2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

on a deer and on the legs of the half man / half beast?!

Runjeet, in European mythology this creature is called a satyr, the one I referenced earlier.

Runjeet Singh · 11th April 2013, 03:31 PM

Many thanks. I cant find an Indian equivalent, so Satyr it is!

9th April 2013, 03:50 PM	#1
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Unusual Indian Shield Dear all, Can anybody help identify or comment on the unusual Iconography on this Indian shield from the early 20th Century? The velvet cushion gives some indication to the age, and the way the border of the cushion has copper stitching give some indication that this was made with some thought and expense. Regards, Runjeet Attached Images Last edited by Andrew; 11th April 2013 at 02:20 AM. Reason: removal of photo with commercial website URL

11th April 2013, 03:22 PM	#4
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Thank you for your reply - A.Senefelder, I think you are onto something, an idea I have also been toying with. I cannot find anything from Hindu mythology that accurately matches the images on the shield. So it could be a mixture of mythology - essentially the maker has been given artistic licence? If that is the case, surely he has taken some influence from Persian art with the horsemen? And from Mysore (Tipu Sultan) with the distinct Bubri Tiger stripe - on a deer and on the legs of the half man / half beast?! I attach a full image of the shield - to comply with Forum rules. Regards, Runjeet Attached Images

11th April 2013, 02:19 AM	#2
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Please do not post photos with commercial website URLs or watermarks.

11th April 2013, 01:07 PM	#3
A Senefelder Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 214	The iconography appears to be a blend of European mythology with Indian fashion. You have what appears to be a satyr in Indian garb, what I believe is called a cockatrice, something that may be a pheonix ect. Possibly this indicates it intention to target the English tourist market. This is a very nice late example by the way.

11th April 2013, 03:31 PM	#6
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Many thanks. I cant find an Indian equivalent, so Satyr it is!