Pair of Thigh and Knee Defenses

Unknown

15th century · Steel, iron, copper alloy, silver, leather · Arms and Armor

The inscription seen on the center of the knee piece is garbled, but is probably one of the benedictions or titles frequently found on armor. Although its significance is not known, the flower-shaped mark on the copper seal may be of topographical import. Knee defenses such as this were usually decorated in the same styles and inscribed with the same types of inscriptions as those found on some Iranian, Anatolian, or Shirvani turban helmets and mail-and-plate armors. In addition, there exist a number of Mamluk examples with similar decoration, and defenses of the same type also appear in Mughal miniature painting.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Steel, iron, copper alloy, silver, leather

Culture

Iranian or Turkish

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935