Turkish shields made of osier (willow), 16th century.

Ceremonial shields. C. 60 cm diameter. Ottoman, 16th century.

The central boss is made of iron, which is decorated with gold inlays (left) and incrusted gems in circular mounts (right). The shields themselves are made of wicker wrapped with silk thread and stitched to place. Amongst the decorative motifs one can recognise the ‘tree of life’ (on the left shield) and ‘Chinese clouds’ (on the right one).

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Land of Civilizations, Turkey’ – Catalogue of the Fukuoka Exhibition (Japan), 1985.