The goldsmith Hafez Muhammad Multani made this throne for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, probably in 1820-1830. It shows clearly the splendour of Ranjit Singh's court. In Europe, royal furniture is usually simply gilded, which creates the effect of gold without incurring the cost. However, in India the reverse is true, and thrones are decorated with richly worked sheets of gold.
The distinctive cusped base of this throne is composed of two tiers of lotus petals. The lotus is a symbol of purity and creation and has traditionally been used as a seat or throne for Hindu gods. However, the octagonal (eight-sided) shape of the throne is based on courtly furniture of the Mughals. Their many-sided furniture provided models for thrones, footstools and tables throughout northern India.
Physical description
Golden octagonal throne, of waisted shape, with 8 feet and handles at narrowest part. The throne has a raised, solid back, with supports on the left and right side, from which tassles hang. The seat contains gold and red cushions and overall the gold is embossed with abstract designs.
Place of Origin
Lahore, Pakistan (made)
Date
1820-1830 (made)
Artist/maker
Hafiz Muhammad (maker)
Materials and Techniques
Wood and resin core, covered with sheets of repoussé, chased and engraved gold
Dimensions
Height: 94 cm, Width: 90 cm, Depth: 77 cm, Height: 51 cm seat
Object history note
1818 was the year when Multan finally fell to the Sikhs, and it is likely that the throne was commissioned to mark the event. The court of Ranjit Singh was then at Lahore and the throne is traditionally associated with that city, where it was found on the annexation of the Punjab in 1849. The British Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie, was not sure if the throne would be wanted, writing to London 'It is set apart as an object which the court [of the East India Company] would probably desire to preserve, but as it is bulky, I shall not forward it until I receive orders to do so'. The Company did wish to preserve it and in 1853 the throne travelled to Calcutta (where Dalhousie had a wooden replica made) before it was shipped to the Indian Museum in London. In 1879, Ranjit Singh's Golden Throne moved to the South Kensington Museum, later renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum., where it has remained ever since.
Historical context note
Thrones were portable objects used in camp as well as in court. The waisted shape suggests the lotus seats of Hindu/Buddhist iconography.
Descriptive line
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne, made by Hafiz Muhammad of Multan, c1818.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Stronge, Susan. The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms. London: V&A publication, 1999. p82, fig 90.
Swallow, Deborah and John Guy eds. Arts of India: 1550-1900. text by Rosemary Crill, John Guy, Veronica Murphy, Susan Stronge and Deborah Swallow. London : V&A Publications, 1990. 240 p., ill. ISBN 1851770224
Amin Jaffer, Luxury Goods From India: the art of the Indian Cabinet-Maker, London : V&A, 2002, pp. 96-97, ill. ISBN: 1 85177 381 9.
Exhibition History
The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms (01/01/1999-31/12/1999)
Associated names
Singh, Ranjit (Maharaja)
Materials
Gold; Wood; Resin
Techniques
Embossed
Categories
Royalty; Religion; Sikhism
Collection code
SSEA
