A black lacquered Dhal shield

A black lacquered hide shield or buckler from India with applied brass decoration. Being made of organic materials hide dhal shields are somewhat less common than metal ones, while also feeling lighter and more agile in the hand.
 
This example has four gilt copper bosses, and is decorated with five additional brass plaques depicting Garuda and a seated figure surrounded by women.
 
There is one large dent along the edge which has caused some of the lacquer to chip away at that spot. The rivet and attachment ring for one of the grip straps is missing and the corresponding boss is therefore loose. One of the tabs on the central plaque is missing its pin, but the plaque is otherwise solid. A previous owner has drilled two holes near the edge, probably in order to mount it on a wall. Aside from that, there is some fine crackling in the lacquer, which is to be expected from an item of this age. The remaining lacquer is still in good condition though, and shows no sign of flaking or chipping off. 
 
Otherwise, the shield is overall in good condition and crucially retains its original shape and hasn't warped. This is noteworthy as a significant number of these shields have only survived in warped or deformed condition.
 
Diameter: 41.5 cm
18th - 19th century