A Rare Ilkhanid Silver Inlayed Bronze Boss. Iran, 13th/14th century. Of circular form with a domed central boss with hole at the apogee; the outer band with cartouches containing inscription in thuluth interspersed by roundels containing lotus flowers, the inner band with alternating with hares and greyhounds hightend in silver on a ground of vegetal interlace, the central boss with engraved decoration Diameter: 26.7 cm; depth: approx. 8 cm Provenance: British private collection Catalogue Note: A number of these objects of varying sizes survive, some are inscribed and a few are in pairs. Their function remains uncertain. Melikian-Chirvani has proposed they are bucklers for fencing, padded out and attached to a rod, while Mohammed has suggested they are the remaining central section of cotton or wicker shields, possibly used for close combat training (see Mohamed, The Arts of the Muslim Knights, Milan, 2007, no. 344, 345; and Melikian-Chirvani, Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World 8-18th Centuries, London, 1982, fig. 42). Condition: The door mounting is in good overall condition, with minor chip to the rim and showing some wear consistent with age.