Rare Indian Large Turtle Shield Dhal

A wonderful large shield from Northern India, made from the large carapace of a sea turtle. The front decorated with lovely painted scenes of tigers and other animals amidst trees and plants in gold and black, at the top are two men fighting with lions, the borders and central area with floral panels in vivid reds and greens. Four large finely chiselled bronze bosses originally gilt, and originally holding stones, one remaining, these bosses surmounted by an applied bronze crescent. The inside is covered with a red fabric and a large well padded hand cushion, the four rings remaining originally to hold the hand straps. Around the inner edge is an applied finely woven fabric border. Surviving in remarkably good order considering its age and fragility, there is some loss to the paintwork on the front and general age wear, but the shield is strong and still sound in itself. Accompanied with an Article 10 certificate allowing this piece to be commercially traded within the EU. For international trade a CITES permit would be necessary. 63 x 58 cms approximately.  Early 19th century.