Mughal Breastplate
Full Description:
This carved leather breastplate may be unique, and it is fortunate too that the work is still in excellent condition. A central rectangular panel is filled with arched frames containing floral splays, the space between each frame then filled with an eight-petalled flowerhead. The upper section depicts further stylised flowerheads in bloom, and a calligraphic inscription is painted at the centre where a warm orange patina covers the surface in light patches. Further inscriptions appear just at the top of the central panel, as well as at the bottom of the breastplate. Two iron loops for suspension are attached at the sides of the breastplate’s front face, and some traces of the original yellow silk lining on the back of the plate are extant.