Shield

probably Indian; lacquerwork, Southeast Asian, Thailand or Burma (Myanmar)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 380

A remarkable example of the global trade in luxury goods during the seventeenth century, this wood shield was probably constructed in India, decorated in Southeast Asia, then exported to Europe. The face is lacquered in black, a technique then common in Asia but rare in the West, and emblazoned with an unidentified coat of arms. The owner likely carried it in public as a display of wealth and style.

Shield, Wood, leather, lacquer, gold, pigment, gesso, copper alloy, iron, probably Indian; lacquerwork, Southeast Asian, Thailand or Burma (Myanmar)

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Overall

Shield, Wood, leather, lacquer, gold, pigment, gesso, copper alloy, iron, probably Indian; lacquerwork, Southeast Asian, Thailand or Burma (Myanmar)
Shield, Wood, leather, lacquer, gold, pigment, gesso, copper alloy, iron, probably Indian; lacquerwork, Southeast Asian, Thailand or Burma (Myanmar)

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.