Indo-Persian Char Aina Cuirass, 19th C

Description

The Char Aina, or “four mirrors”, was an all-steel cuirass formed of four solid plates; front, back, and two sides. It was generally worn over a chainmail shirt, known as the Zereh. It was light weight and effective against the slashing cuts of a sword, but ineffective against firearms. They were made by Persian armorers and supplied throughout Central Asia. This example with each of its four original plates profusely decorated with embossed Persian writing and riveted decorative border, the back plate with a high pointed arch. The plates are hinged, with buckles on top for shoulder straps and on the sides to secure the armor around the wearer’s body. The inside is painted blue, with printed textile lining cloth (tattered and stained). Red textile strapping used to secure the armor on the body (worn). Plates are between 9” and 9 1/2” wide, with the tallest (back plate) being 14 1/2” high. Similar examples, lacking the back plate, are illustrated in “Islamic Weapons, Maghrib to Moghul”, by Anthony Tirri, Figure. 162 and 162A, pages 223-224.