A second gem-encrusted gold finial from the octagonal golden throne of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, will be sold at Bonhams New Bond Street on October 7th in the Indian & Islamic Art sale. This is the second such finial to pass through Bonhams Bond Street saleroom in 18 months.
The first finial sold for £389,600 on 2nd April 2009. Both were at Bonhams recently, reuniting two parts of this fabled throne after 200 years, and offering Tipu scholars an extraordinary opportunity to appreciate the workmanship of these objects.
The tiger finial now on sale at Bonhams is one of three surviving tiger
head finials that adorned Tipu’s elaborate throne. Although some of the most important items from Tipu Sultan’s palace were reserved for the British Royal Family, the famous golden throne was broken up so that the elements could be shared, much to the disapproval of the Governor-General, Lord Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington).
This second finial, now for sale, is one of the most important Tipu items ever to appear at auction. Its estimated to sell at: £200,000 – 300,000, € 240,000 – 360,000 . It was in the possession of the same Scottish family for the past 200years coming down to the present owner by direct descent. The first finial sold at Bonhams had lain in an English castle, for at least 100 years and then in a bank vault, unknown to Tipu enthusiasts and scholars. It was discovered by Bonhams Islamic Department on a routine valuation.
