Thai Wooden Shield (โล่)

Price on request · Region: China, East Asia, Tibet · Type: Armor

Now sold.

An antique Thai wooden shield with gold-painted lacquered decoration embodies Thailand's rich martial history and artistic tradition. These shields, often elaborately adorned, were used primarily during the Ayutthaya (1351–1767) and early Rattanakosin (1782–1932) periods. In warfare, shields protected soldiers, especially during close combat or ceremonial battles.

This example remains in good condition though with some loss to the gold decoration and has an original tag in Thai script on the backside.  Thai shields are known in various forms including:

dang: a large wooden shield used in Thailand, often elaborately painted (also dheng, dhung); see also daab dang.

daab dang (dheng): (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a large, rectangular shield ("dang/dheng").

khen: small, round hide or metal shield or buckler used in Thailand, often elaborately painted; see also daab khen.

daab khen: (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a buckler ("khen").

Credit to the Dha Research Index for a portion of this entry.

Similar shields can be found in collections at the Wat Phra Kraew Royal Collection of Weapons in Bangkok as well as the National Museum of Thailand.

Key battles like those against Burmese forces during the 16th and 18th centuries highlight their use. Crafted from hardwood, these shields were both defensive tools and symbols of status, decorated with gold lacquer to signify rank and honor. Some surviving pieces show wear, reflecting their historical legacy.