Live Auction 14140Arts of India
AN IMPRESSIVE SILVER-GILT CEREMONIAL MACE
Lot 106

AN IMPRESSIVE SILVER-GILT CEREMONIAL MACE

DECCAN OR NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

Closed25 May 2017

Price Realised

GBP 6,500

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AN IMPRESSIVE SILVER-GILT CEREMONIAL MACE
DECCAN OR NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY
Of tapering cylindrical form, the finial formed as a large elephant head, decorated with dense scrolling floral and foliate motifs below the head, the tapering shaft with spiralling ribs design, a scrolling floral vine on alternate ribs, terminating in a knop finial
32 ½in. (82.5cm.) long

Acquired by the current owner in Delhi whilst stationed as a Greek diplomat, 1963-64.

Specialist note

Ceremonial staves or soontas were carried by bearers and always followed the person whose rank they denoted. According to Indian paintings where they are often represented they could also have been carried wrapped in protective cloth. Such staves are often composed of an elongated tapering and spiralling body with a feline finial. Similar examples are in the Wallace collection (OA1760 ; www.vam.ac.uk) attributed to the late 18th century Deccan and at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad (Store number-9 ; www.museumsofindia.gov.in).