Antique Turkish Ottoman Islamic Shield Kalkan 17th - 18th Centur

Rare Antique 17th-18th century Turkish Ottoman Islamic Shield - Kalkan.

DETAILS: The shield of circular, domed form is composed of spiral cane wrapped with colored threads. Mounted on the center with a sturdy iron umbo surmounted by a rosette with a square finial, enclosed by a collar fastened by 6 iron pins on brass washers made of coins and reinforced by a shaped 24 radial rebus iron bars decorated with a notched pattern and connected to the reinforcing iron collar on the external edge, fastened by iron pins on brass washers made of coins.

The interior has a central wooden core, mounted with four iron bolts, of which two are affixed with iron rings for leather straps to hold the shield.

This type of wicker Kalkan shield became emblematic of the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire, used by Turkish warriors during the 17th century. Some Kalkans were made for high-ranking officers as large, luxurious parade shields, decorated with gold and embellished with precious stones. This one is a typical, smaller Ottoman infantry combat shield (most likely Janissaries. Please see the last picture in the listing) of a more maneuverable form. The flexibility of the wicker, reinforced by robust steel mounting, parries sword and axe strikes.

REFERENCES :

1. A very similar Turkish Ottoman Kalkan shield is published in the Turkish book Turk Maden Sanati - The Art of Turkish Metalworking by Fulya Bodur. Page. 182.No.A.191.

2. Christie’s Art & Textiles of The Islamic & Indian Worlds, Including Works From The Collection of The Late Simon Digby. London: 7 OCT 2011.Lot 485.

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5479902

3. Sotheby’s Arts of Islamic World, London, 12 October 2000. Lot167.

3. Bonhams. Eastern Arms & Armour from the Richard R. Wagner Jr Collection. London: 29. April 2015.Lot.188.

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22748/lot/188/an-o...

4. Bonhams. Islamic and Indian Art. London: 2, October. 2012.Lot.71.

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20020/lot/71/an-ottoman-wicker-shield-turkey-early-17th-century/

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the page from the mentioned reference, together with a certificate of authenticity.

Diameter: 27.5cm (10.83 inches).

CONDITION: In good condition considering its age, with some minor wear to the thread; the iron mounts are corroded. See photos.

PROVENANCE: Ex-private old Canadian collection of Islamic art and arms formed in the 1980s.