Greetings,
I am hoping someone out there can help identify this shield. I was told it was 13th - 14th century, Japan.
I have searched all of the literature and museum collections I can find, and have come up empty.
Thanks
Sam

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Hi Sam

My opinion is that it may be Korean or Chinese. I would be very (but delightfully) suprised if it is Japanese.

Any pics of the back?

Cheers

Jason

Jason,
I thought so as well, but was told it was Japanese. I was unable to find a similar Chinese, Korean shield either.
I will get some pics of the back shortly.
S

I'd be extremely surprised if that was Japanese. I never saw anything like that in any of the museums in Japan. I'd vote for Chinese. The writing doesn't look Korean. And the antique shops in Hong Kong were overflowing with that kind of stuff last time I was there.

However, there are a number of other possibilities in Southeast Asia, like Cambodian or Thai. The demon faces would seem to be more appropriate for somplace like that, too. Interesting piece, whatever it turns out to be! :D

The shape of the shield almost look indian. My bet would be from somewhere between India and China.

Btw I have never seen a Japanese handheld shield, not even an illustration of one. I have only seen lagre "Pavaise" types, used to hide behind during a siege.

It would be nice to know what it is.

There is an Okinawan buckler-type shield called a tinbe, used in combination called rochin-tinbe (rochin being a very small spear). Does it have a large single grip on the back like a buckler?

I edited my previous post after searching for the words I used. Sometime between now and when I heard of it, i got the names confused in my head.

the TINBE is the shield, and you can see several on Google images, usually made from a turtle shell. I have not seen any that look exactly like the one here, but they were sometimes made of metal.

The fighting technique with these is very interesting from a WMA perspective.

Hi Sam,

Japanese arms and armour have been my main focus of study for years and I am 99% certain that this is not Japanese. The coloration, decorative patterns, character of crafstmanship, and other elements make me think so even before factoring in its complete dissimilarity to any of the very rare Japanese shield types I have ever heard of.

Unfortunately I cannot even begin to suggest what then it would be, so I will remain interested in seeing if anyone can positively ID this piece.

Cheers,
-GLL

This may be Mongolian. It's a chinese/Mongol shield I am almost sure. For the 32 years that I have been in Japanese martial arts and well studied in it's history, I can say that this is not Japanese.
You can say that Samurai carried their shields on their shoulders called a Sode.
Of course there is an early poem by Japanese warriors in around 663 AD. From Kanto plain:

"From today
Without regard for myself
I set out
A shield strong but humble
For our Sovereign Lord."

But that was very early period.

Thanks for all the replies. I love mysteries as long as they can be solved. This piece is very old and very rare from the obvious lack of similar examples. My camera is at my wifes store, as soon as I get it back I will take a pic of the back. It does have 2 metal handles integrated into the back, they fit nicely into the palm of your hand.

It appears to be a combat shield, If you have seen my postings on the Parade Armour I reproduce you will know I use this term loosely.
It was made in panels. The bosses are different metal and highly decorated. I am very impressed by the workmanship of this little shield (Measures 15"), the seams where the panels meet are very tight. There was no soldering used, it is all peened together.
I was not convinced this is Japanese in nature but was told the characters around the apex are japanese. Also there are counterclockwise swastikas in many places around the figures. I have asked the wallace collection to give their opinion, we will see what they come up with.
I wish I knew more....
Sam

Sorry this pic is so small. Turns out I did have one of the back on my PC, its just very tiny. Again, will take better pics when I get my camera back.
S

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I do agree in theory that it is similar to some Indo-persian examples but the reppouse work and chasing is soooo unlike anything I have seen from that geographic area. Also the boss's are so much larger than typical indo persian shields. See picture of another one of my preciouses.
Sam

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Indo-Persian Buckler 18th century.

The faces on the shield look like qilin (chinese chimera-type monster) to me. in Japanese they are called kirin. not that this helps determine where it's from, of course, but I find this piece fascinating.

Jerry,
You are a sharp one. I was wondering if anyone would notice that detail. The Chimera is typically a Character seen on pieces inspired by Italian Grotesque. I have not been able to find a similar chinese or other asian example that was so close to this fantasy creature and not quite a bit more dragon-ish. Many of the pieces of European Parade armour In my collection have very similar creatures. So why the western influence? This is all just guessing of course.....
It is a very unusual piece, especially the sharp pointy boss in the center. I have never seen anything like it, darnit...
S