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 18 inches diameter, made from Buffalo hide. It is painted black brown green and gold showing various animals in hunting scenes. The inner face is painted red and comes with its original red fabric hand cushion. Four central main bosses are made from beautifully cut and pierced brass. Very good condition. Slight hide distortion and age cracks on the paint. This shield is original from the late 18th Century and its beauty is beyond its use as a weapon.