Live Auction 4914Islamic & Indian Works of Art & Textiles
A PAIR OF SILVERED LANTERNS MADE FOR THE MAHARAJA OF BHAVNAGAR
Lot 533

A PAIR OF SILVERED LANTERNS MADE FOR THE MAHARAJA OF BHAVNAGAR

FORT COACH FACTORY, BOMBAY, INDIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Closed27 April 2012

Price Realised

GBP 9,375

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A PAIR OF SILVERED LANTERNS MADE FOR THE MAHARAJA OF BHAVNAGAR
FORT COACH FACTORY, BOMBAY, INDIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY
Each with hexagonal body, surmonted by two hexagonal parasol-like elements and crowned by an eagle spreading its wings, with openwork floral borders, one glass panel decorated with the coat of arms of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar depicting two confronted bulls flanking a shield, with floral garlands above and below, the detachable handles with applied floral scrolls, the interior with light bulb fitting and badge of "Fort Coach Factory Frere Road Bombay", minor dents, otherwise in good condition
Each 34in. (86.3cm.) high (2)

Specialist note

The distinctive coat of arms found on these lanterns, with the confronted bulls flanking a shield emblazoned with a golden eagle and surmounted by small dhow atop a helmet, demonstrate beyond doubt that this was commissioned for a Maharaja of Bhavnagar, formerly a princely state, now part of Gujarat, on the Gulf of Khambhat. The city of Bhavnagar, an important trading post for the cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat, was founded as a port in 1743. The motto in devanagari script reads manushya dhan- ishwar kripa (man's wealth - (is) God's gift).

A magnificent silver landau carriage made for the Maharaja of Bhavnagar by the Fort Coach Factory in Bombay was sold at Christie's, London, 23 September 2005, lot 161.