Shield

Iran, 19th century

Steel shield with a sun motif. Persian calligraphy inscribed in cartouches along the perimeter. Silver and gold ornamentation executed using the traditional koftgari technique (overlay).

Diameter: 46.5 cm

O 1070

Sun motifs have been popular in Iranian objects since antiquity. The face on the sun is believed to have originally referred to Mitra, a deity symbolising divine light, power, and protection.