RICHARD RICE ESTATE MILITARIA
Tuesday, 30 April - Monday, 13 May 2024
A pair of rare Indian papier mâché dhàl (shields) each with four central silver bosses, with label of provenance to the Governor of Bombay (see footnote 1) and 1998 Christies auction tag (see footnote 2),
Current Bid $1,450 (7 bids, reserve not met)
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Lot Details
both near circular 545mm, one slightly elongated 545mm-565mm, both similarly decorated with painted and gilded raised lacquer with leafy fronds issuing from rockwork, the insides with conforming rockwork designs. The designs have a Japanese flavour (see footnote 3). The backs with securing bolts and rings conforming to the bosses and with padded panels and remnant hand straps. Some losses of lacquer. Footnotes: 1) The manuscript label reads: "Two Lacquer Shields with silver bosses from the Collection of Sir Charles Grant, Governor of Bombay 1835-1838". In fact is was Sir Robert Grant (1779-1838) whom was Governor of Bombay 1834-38, the son of Charles Grant (1746-1823), chairman of the directors of the British East India Company. So the note of provenance confuses these two individuals. 2) Christies Auction 8157 15 Oct 1998 Oriental and Islamic Works of Art Lot 88 www.christies.com/lot/lot-1320831 3) While paper shields were produced domestically in several locations within India, either local production was either unable to keep up with demand or lower prices were available elsewhere, as the Dutch East India Company ordered lacquered shields made in Japan to be shipped to India starting in the 17thC. Those 17th/18thC Japanese decorated shields may have influenced the designs on these later 19thC shields.
