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A gold koftgari watered-steel helmet (taup) Lahore, early 19th Century image 1
A gold koftgari watered-steel helmet (taup) Lahore, early 19th Century image 2
A gold koftgari watered-steel helmet (taup) Lahore, early 19th Century image 3
Lot 271

A gold koftgari watered-steel helmet (taup)
Lahore, early 19th Century

22 May 2025, 11:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £12,160 inc. premium

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A gold koftgari watered-steel helmet (taup)
Lahore, early 19th Century

of domed form, with finial in the form of an inverted flowerhead surmounted by a plume holder, the noseguard terminating in palmettes at each end, flanked by two further plume holders, with applied flowerhead elements, decorated in gold overlay with bands of floral and foliate scrollwork to the rim, a crescent to the front of the helmet, the noseguard and finial with floral sprays, the central plume holder with zig-zag design, the camail of brass and steel rings forming a zig-zag design, with padded velvet lining
21.8 cm. diam.

Footnotes

The neckguard, or camail, suspended from the bowl of the helmet, is of fine butted iron and brass links creating an elegant geometric zig-zag pattern known as 'Ganga- Jamuna' - the two contrasting colours representing the churning waters at the confluence of two of India's most sacred rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna.

A comparable helmet is in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (Object No. XXVIA.36 a). For a similar example sold in these rooms, see Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art including Sikh Treasures and Arts of the Punjab, 23 October 2018, lot 206.

Additional information