Painted Dhal Hide India, Rajasthan, Udaipur (Mewar)

A circular, convex shield made from prepared hide, painted gold on black with hunting (shikargah) and battle scenes moving in a counter clockwise direction and also palace scenes and a citadel all set within a lightly delineated landscape of hills with shrubs, the rim with a foliate pattern, the centre occupied by a sun with a fabulous regal face motif surrounded by four metal bosses in the form of recumbent lions bordered with painted foliate designs and fixed on the black lacquered reverse with iron rings for attaching the enarms (handles) which, together with a pad, are covered in red velvet brocade.

Sothebys, New York, October 28, 1991, Lot 178.
Dr. William K. Ehrenfeld Collection.
Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, December 9, 1980, Lot 296.

Excellent condition. Some rubbed areas of gold around the edge and rim. Some of the green paint rubbed from the face in the centre. Two small holes on one side probably for hanging or attachment. No restoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This notable example of a Dhal is painted with details executed by a particularly distinguished hand and can be compared to an example in the National Museum, New Delhi published in Dr. G. N. Pant, Indian Arms and Armour, Volume II, India, 1980, Front Cover.