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INDIAN PAINTED RHINOCEROS HIDE SHIELD

18th century

This North Indian Dahl shield (probably Rajasthani) from the State Hermitage Museum is made of boiled rhinoceros hide, rendered translucent, and covered in brown lacquer. The entire surface of the shield is decorated by delicate gold painting; the amazingly realistic depictions of various animals (a fallow deer, a tiger, a monkey, dragon, fox, bear and birds) are blended into an all-round floral ornament. The elaborate beauty of these depictions refer to the outstanding qualities of Indian miniature paintings of the Mughal era, and makes this hide shield so unique. Remarkable shields from rhinoceros hide were often given as diplomatic gifts. The six chiseled copper bosses on the outside of the shield are fastenings for the cushion and belts on the inside.