An important khula-khud with rare relief decorations

dating: circa 1700 provenance: India, Iron, hemispherical skull, finely decorated for much of the external surface with elegant rinceaux weave and buds, slightly relieved compared to the bottom. At the peak a small, circular plate with remains of gold-inlaid concentric frames, surmounted by a cusp of square section (more recent replacement). Wide bottom band of the skull is smooth, bearing remains of elegant gold inlays, with two frames at the margins and one centrla band with dense, undulated weave with rinceaux and flowers. In the fron part, in the center, an iron nose-piece of trapeze section, with remains of gold-inlaid rinceaux and frames, provided with a cusp in the bottom part, decorated in bass-relief en suite with the skull (probably there was an upper cusp as well, now missing). Two plume-holders on the sides of the nose-piece, inlaid as well. Nose-piece provided with a clip pierced to hold it in a raised position. Complete with iron mail neck-defence with riveted rings, with front opening and fringed border. Inside the skull an old, fabric padding (defects and damages) with red color lining. height totale circa 52 cm.