Antique Islamic Indo-Persian Convex Shield. 36.2 cm in diameter

Antique Islamic Indo-Persian Convex S. 36.2 cm in diameter. It weighs 2 pounds and 3.6 ounces. The shield is made of steel, with nice aged patina. It is domed with upturned rim border.

It has four brass bosses and blue cloth at backside. The surface of the shield is engraved in an arabesque design, with an Arabic word at the center, surrounded by four other words, which are surrounded by eight concentric patches of Arabic script. Engraving and Arabic script is in inlaid with silver. At the center of the shield, the word Ya Ali (Oh, Ali) is engraved. Ali is the fourth Caliph in Islam and the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and the husband of his daughter.

The band around that reads Fattah (Conqueror), Alim (Learned), Ummi (Illiterate), and Haqq (Truth). All these words are some of the appellations of the Prophet Muhammad. The eight patches of words read as follow. Al-Wali (The Patron), al-Rahim (The Merciful), al-Rahman (The Copassionate).

Ya Akhir (Oh, Everlasting), Ya Wali (Oh, Patron). Ya Waali (Oh, Governor), Ya Hamid (Oh, Praiseworthy), Ya Batin (Oh, Hidden One). Allah, Muhammad Akhir Khatib (God, Muhammad, The last orator).

Ummi (Illiterate), Rauf (Compassionate), Rahim (Merciful). Jawad (Generous), Fattah (Conqueror), Alim (Learned). Akhir (Lasting), Shafi (Healer), Tayyid (Good).

Al-Wahid (The Unique), al-Ba`ith (The Creator), al-Wadud (The Loving). Most of the words are part of the Most Beautiful Names of God others are appellations of Muhammad, The Prophet. Most likely from the early part of the nineteenth century. A very interesting and unusual piece.

The item "Antique Islamic Indo-Persian Convex Shield. 36.2 cm in diameter" is in sale since Tuesday, March 01, 2016. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Middle East".

The seller is "mbalwan" and is located in Belmont, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.