Lot 132
SIX DESIGNS FOR FURNITURE AND OBJECTS
NORTHERN INDIA, 19TH CENTURY
Auction: 10 June 2026 from 14:00 BST
Description
ink with use of colours on paper, comprising designs for a) stylised bowl, b) one rosewater sprinkler, c) and d) two vases , e) one folio with various designs of furniture palanquins, and lastly f) a design of various stellar motifs, possibly for wood or tiles
Dimensions
a) 16.5cm x 15.5cm; b) 27.2cm x 14cm c) 24cm x 10.5cm d) main design 12.7cm x 13cm, 26cm x 16cm e) 25.1cm x 10.1cm f) 22.6cm x 17cm.
Provenance
Formerly, the Stuart Cary Welch Collection (1928-2008); acquired, Sotheby's, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Part Two, Art of India, 31 May 2011, Lot 135.
Footnote
A group of design drawings created for and often by Indian craftsmen offers valuable insight into workshop practices across different media. Many survive in institutional collections, including a substantial group at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, ranging from sword fittings and furniture to Kashmir shawl patterns (Skelton 1982, pp. 68–69, nos. 171–190). Several of the howdah designs feature tigers. While lions commonly symbolised royal authority across India, the tiger is more closely associated with Mysore, suggesting that these drawings may have been produced by craftsmen working at that court.