LONDON: A gem-encrusted gold finial from the octagonal golden throne of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, eighteenth century item was bought by an unidentified private collector. There were only two bidders for what was billed as one of the most important Tipu items ever to appear for sale.
The finial lay 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.
The gem-set object is one of three surviving tiger head finials that adorned Tipus elaborate throne. It lay at the Featherstone Castle, Northumberland, where it was listed in an 1843 inventory of the late Baron Wallace of Knarsdale (1768-1844), who oversaw the East India Company, and afterwards was hidden away in a bank.
Although some of the most important items 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.