IRAN, 19th century, Qadjare period. - Lot 109

IRAN, 19th century, Qadjare period. Element of a Qadjare char-a'ina cuirass. Acid-etched steel, gold damascened. 29.5 x 20.5 cm. (some wear). Note : This is one of the four parts of a Persian armor known as char-a'ina, literally "four mirrors". These armors were made up of four steel sections attached to each other so as to envelop the chest. Worn over a garment of chain mail (called zereh), one piece protected the torso (sineband), another the back (poshtband) and two smaller pieces (bagalband) covered the soldier's flanks. The four panels (five in rarer cases) were linked together by leather straps and buckles, or by hinge systems. This piece features a full-surface acid-etched decoration, with horsemen and figures in battle in the center, among various animals and against a background of plant motifs. This central decoration is set within gold damascened borders in the form of mandorles, with two calligraphic cartouches. The whole is framed by a calligraphic frieze in ornamental thuluth. It features six steel buckles. The interior is covered with antique fabric. Expert : Alexis RENARD