702 - Metal Face Mask with Floral Engraving and Inscription Band, After a Historical Model

Metal Face Mask with Floral Engraving and Inscription Band, After a Historical Model Metal. Face mask in the shape of a human countenance, raised with projecting brow ridges, a strong nose, a curved moustache and a protruding mouth; two tusk-like teeth emerge from the corners of the mouth, the mouth opening formed as a row of pierced holes. The eye openings framed by engraved sunbursts, below them and on the cheeks further small piercings in diagonal rows. Above the brows a band of cartouches with interlaced characters and scrolls, the chin engraved all over with small-scale flowering scrolls, the cheeks by contrast left largely plain and set only with single scrolling sprigs. The upper edge formed as an arcaded frieze, each arch pierced. At the top centre a hinge fitting, at the sides two applied rings. Made after a historical model. Condition commensurate with age, traces of corrosion above all on the inside. Overall 23x18x7.5 cm (HxWxD) Masks of this kind belong to the Indo-Persian helmet of the kulah khud type: the face piece was hooked to the helmet rim and could be raised, while the lateral rings served to attach the neck guard. The menacingly distorted face with moustache and tusks follows a pictorial tradition intended to make the wearer appear terrifying. From the late 19th c. onwards such pieces were also newly made in Indian and Persian workshops after old models for the collectors' and decorative market.