A Fine Safavid Gold Damascened Helmet (Kulah Khud) Dated 1112 (1700)

Steel works in the Safavid period ( 1501- 1736)  are known for  the quality and decoration.  The tradition combines chiseling, engraving and gold and silver inlay decoration on  steel.

This technique is very well demonstrated in this fine Safavid Helmet. Early 18 C  Kulah Khud  with  finally  chiseled hunting scenes of lions and   lions and tigers hunting antelopes in gold inlaid frames. Dense  gold inlaid inscriptions and further hunting scenes in a band of calligraphic cartouches along the rim. The thousands rings of the aventail are made of steel.  A  wavy  steel spike is mounted on the top of the helmet and two  plume holders are attached on either side of the skull, used to mount colorful birds feathers. The maker name and a further calligraphic cartouche with the Hijra date of 1112 (1700 in the Gregorian date) are  gold inlaid on the helmet dome.

Diameter 7 1/2 inches. Helmet total height 28 inches (with the aventail). Very Good condition.  Blackened spots on the steel with minor losses to the mail and the gold inlay. The Nasal protector is missing. A very impressive helmet.

Price: On Request