Shirt of Mail and Plate of Emperor Shah Jahan
This piece of armor was given as a gift to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan by Saif Khan, a high ranking military official and prince. Made mostly of steel and iron, the armor contains gold plating around the chest area on which appear Qur’anic verses, many of the ninety-nine names of God, and inscriptions confirming the armor belonged to the emperor. Considered one of the most beautiful surviving pieces of Mughal armor the high value of the gold plates makes this armor extravagant. Additionally, the value placed by the emperor along with Shah Jahan’s desire for beauty, this armor piece is certainly a highly sought after relic. For a further look, click here!
Shirt of Mail and Plate of Emperor Shah Jahan
1632-33 CE
Medium: Steel, iron, gold, and leather
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2008.245