Commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad in 1865 , this Pearl Canopy was actually a part of a five piece set. Originally, supposed to be sent to Medina as an offering to the Prophet’s Tomb, the Set remained in Baroda’s treasury after the Maharaja passed away.
The Canopy :
Composed of approximately 950,000 precious ‘Basra pearls’, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and colored glass beads in elaborate floral arabesques, this exquisite pearl canopy is a true testament to the sophistication and grandeur of the court of the Maharaja. Measuring about 1.2 meters in diameter, this carpet is a fine example of unparalleled craftsmanship and flourishing pearl-trade between the Arabian Gulf and India.
Influenced by Mughal style that is an amalgamation of Persian & Indian traditions, the canopy features swirling vinery and dense floral elements which are further enhanced with foil backed rubies, emeralds and sapphires set in gold.
*
This extraordinarily finely crafted precious canopy is one of the only two surviving pieces of the five piece set, with the other being the “Baroda Pearl Carpet“. After staying in the State’s treasury for years, the Canopy ended up in the collection of Sita Devi. The Canopy then resurfaced in 2010 at the “Maharaja: The splendor of Indian Royal Courts” exhibition by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. It was then sold by the Sotheby’s at an auction for about $ 2.3 million. Recently auctioned again in March 2019, the Canopy fetched $ 2.2 million and is currently displayed at the Christie’s Inc, London.
No Comments