A beautiful and rare hand painted hide shield from Rajasthan. The Rajasthani hide shields were very famous in their delicate paintings in black red and gold. This one is 16 inches diameter, made from Buffalo hide. It is painted deep green and depicts around the edge red flowers on white background with a central medallion red white and gold floral pattern. The inner face is painted red with gold pattern around the edge. as well. The central main bosses are made from beautifully cut and pierced brass. Very good condition. Slight distortion and cracks on the paint. A very small area on the rim is damaged and paint erased. This shield is original from the late 18th Century and its beauty is beyond its use as a weapon.