A RARE INDIAN ARMOR CUIRASS

One of a small number of rare European-style cuirasses made for the Nizam of Hyderabad in the late 17th-early 18th century. Wrought of actively-patterned wootz damascus steel visible in spots, the breastplate with well-modeled pectorals, both breast and backplate with central ridge. With separately applied scalloped steel borders with projecting central trefoil throughout, the backplate with applied standing neckguard. Latter 17th century. Worn overall, acid-washed, areas of corrosion. For another cuirass from this group, see D. Alexander, The Arts of War. Arms and Armour of the 7th to 19th centuries (The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, VOL XXI) (1992: Oxford. Nour.) p. 174, #108. Overall height 43cm. Condition IV