A set of Mughal steel body armour plates (char-aina) with koftgari decoration, India, 18th Century

the four, slightly convex plates of rectangular form, two with curved edge to fit underarm, each with a chiselled and chased central panel decorated with connecting foliate vines each featuring a palmette terminal, the borders with gold overlay scrolling flowers, with foliate strap fittings with palmette terminals

 

Jacques Desenfans Collection (1920-1999)
Bonhams, 10 April 2008, lot 193

In general good condition, some rubbing to surface and corrosion to certain areas, consistent with age and use, the reverse with later added felt lining, as viewed.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The silver chiselled palmette arabesque with gold scrolling border relates closely to a seventeenth-century Deccani shield in the Furusiyya Art Foundation (see Mohammed 2007, pp.372-373, no.354) and another in a private German collection (see Hamburg 1983, p.222, no.157).