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An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 1
An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 2
An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 3
An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 4
An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 5
An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 6
An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99) Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93 image 7
Lot 212

An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99)
Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93

Amended
Islamic & Indian Art
2 April 2009, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £389,600 inc. premium

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An important gem-set gold Finial in the form of a Tiger's Head from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-99)
Mysore (Seringapatam), made between 1787-93

gold sheet over a natural resin core, set with rubies, diamonds and emeralds. The collar around the base with three bands of gems: at the bottom an arcaded band set with foiled, polished cabochon rubies; above a band of foiled polished cabochon emeralds, the settings overlapping the stones and with small cusped claws extending onto the surface of the emeralds; and above a further band of foiled, polished cabochon rubies. The main gold surface of the head worked with a punch to create a stippled surface; symmetrically set on either side of the centre line with foiled table-cut diamonds, foiled cabochon rubies and foiled cabochon emeralds of varying sizes, with larger rubies set on the eyes and the tongue, the teeth set with foiled table-cut diamonds. The ears projecting above the head decorated with engraved lines and punchwork. The head mounted on a black marble pedestal with four gilt-metal claw and ball feet and a partial appliqué inscription in gilt metal
the head 6.9 cm. high and 338 g.; total height with pedestal 17.5 cm.

Footnotes

Estimate: Refer to Department

Provenance:
Thomas Wallace (1763-1844), Baron Wallace of Knarsdale.

Lord Wallace was a prominent English politician in the late 18th and early 19th Century. He became an MP in 1790; in 1800 he was created Commissioner for the Affairs of India and in 1801 was appointed a Privy Councillor; he served as President of the Board of Control between 1807 and 1816, in which position he oversaw the East India Company; he was made a peer in 1818 and served as Vice President of the Board of Trade from 1818-23. In 1828 he was ennobled as Baron Wallace.

For a full entry, see single-lot catalogue.

Saleroom notices

This lot is being sold by order of Trustees.

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