Mail and Plate Shirt

Location: Northern Caucasus
for the Persian or Ottoman market

Materials: forged iron or steel, with engraved and punched decoration and silver inlay

Dimensions: 86cm (maximum length)

Accession Number: MTW 1158

Other Notes:

The chain mail consists of alternate rows of cut and uncut rings. The slightly overlapping plates bear an inscription including the title Sultan, though his name is either absent or incompletely legible. Their most notable decorative features are pointed lotus medallions with fleur-de-lis finials which are characteristic of the designs of silks in Ilkhanid style from Spain, Italy, Egypt and, doubtless, Iran in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Bibliography:

D. Alexander, The Arts of War. Arms and Armour of the 7th to 19th Centuries, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume XXI, London 1992, cat.26, pp.68–9.