Incised Ceremonial Buckler - JB.1275, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 9.6" (24.4cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Brass. This piece has a wide, slightly sloping stepped body and a domical centre with a central hole. Melikian-Chirvani argues that this type of object was most probably used as a buckler, although he also discusses their possible use as lids or cymbals. Bucklers were used in the medieval period as small shields, held in the fist to protect the sword hand. They were generally used in hand-to-hand combat in conjunction with a short sword. This superb example is incised with calligraphy on each tier. Fashioned from brass, it post-dates the medieval period and was produced for ceremonial rather than martial purposes.

Antiquities
Ancient Weapons