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Description

This magnificent sipar dates to the 1800s. Quite a bit larger than average sipars, it measures about 50 cm across, and is an encyclopedia of oriental metalwork. Finely damascened in gold and silver koftgari, chiseled, and pierced, it shows the workmanship of superb quality.


Former owner has thoughtfully attached an inventory tag, which states that the shield was purchased from Robert Abels, a well-known New York antique weapons dealer active in the mid-1900s.


Applied silver decorations running around the perimeter contain Arabic script, perhaps the Sutras from the Koran, or else the Royal attributions.
This piece more than merits in-depth research by a serious collector. It is the best example of Persian armorer's craft I have yet to encounter.