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Lot Essay
This is one of eight finials that ornamented the octagonal (or possibly hexagonal) gold throne commissioned by Tipu Sultan (r. 1782-1799), known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. Tipu adopted the symbol of the tiger as part of his royal identity. The tiger is associated with all his courtly objects and weapons. Following Tipu’s defeat by British forces at the battle of Seringapatam in 1799, the throne was dismantled and the components dispersed.
Only three other tiger-head finials, in addition to the present lot, from the railing of Tipu's grand throne are published. One was given by Lord Wellesley to the second Lady Clive in India and is now in the Clive Collection at Powis Castle. The second, acquired by Surgeon-Major Pultney-Mein after the battle, was sold at Sotheby’s, London, 19 March 1973, lot 180; its current whereabouts are unknown. The third, from the collection of Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Bowser (1749-1833), sold at Bonhams, London, 7 October 2010, lot 370 (Paris 2017, cat. 132, p.176). While the design is the same on the all the finials, there are differences in the gem settings and craftsmanship, suggesting that several goldsmiths worked on the throne and its fittings.
Two other parts of the throne, the majestic jeweled huma bird finial from the canopy and a large gold tiger head from the base, are in the British Royal Collection (RCIN 48482 and 67212).
Only three other tiger-head finials, in addition to the present lot, from the railing of Tipu's grand throne are published. One was given by Lord Wellesley to the second Lady Clive in India and is now in the Clive Collection at Powis Castle. The second, acquired by Surgeon-Major Pultney-Mein after the battle, was sold at Sotheby’s, London, 19 March 1973, lot 180; its current whereabouts are unknown. The third, from the collection of Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Bowser (1749-1833), sold at Bonhams, London, 7 October 2010, lot 370 (Paris 2017, cat. 132, p.176). While the design is the same on the all the finials, there are differences in the gem settings and craftsmanship, suggesting that several goldsmiths worked on the throne and its fittings.
Two other parts of the throne, the majestic jeweled huma bird finial from the canopy and a large gold tiger head from the base, are in the British Royal Collection (RCIN 48482 and 67212).