Architectural Model
1900 - 1923 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This model appeared at the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley in 1924. The Maharaja of Mysore, who probably commissioned it as a diplomatic gift, had presented it to George V and Queen Mary in 1923.
It is not the usual accurate copy of a particular building. Instead, it is a mixture of details loosely based on several Hindu temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, near Mysore, that were built during the medieval Hoysala dynasty. However, its shape resembles a casket and is quite different from that of a temple.
It is not the usual accurate copy of a particular building. Instead, it is a mixture of details loosely based on several Hindu temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, near Mysore, that were built during the medieval Hoysala dynasty. However, its shape resembles a casket and is quite different from that of a temple.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Sandalwood carved with a teak wood base |
| Brief description | Composite architectural model, sandalwood, with details from medieval Hindu temples near Mysore, South India, 1900-1923 |
| Physical description | Architectural model of a medieval Hindu temple, carved in sandalwood upon a polished teak-wood base. The model is composite in style, but is based partly on details of Hoysala dynasty temples at Halebid, somnathpur and Belur. The model is in one storey resting upon a pitha and surmounted by a pavilion. In the front and back are double doors and on the sides two mandapams. The decoration consists of figures of various Hindu gods etc, within niches, scrolling floriate stems, lotus-petal fillets etc. The plan of the temple is a twelve pointed star each point of which rests on the back of a crouching elephant. The dome of the pavilion is surmounted by a kalasha. The plain base is mahogany-brown. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | Composite model including details from medieval Hindu temples near Mysore
This model was presented to King George V and Queen Mary by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1923. It was subsequently displayed at the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley, 1924. Although details are loosely based on the temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, the model's shape is quite different.
Mysore, South India; early 20th century
Sandalwood
IM.321-1924
Given by Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary(9/09/2002) |
| Credit line | Given by King George V and Queen Mary |
| Object history | Presented to Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary by His Highness the Maharaja of the State of Mysore in 1923. Given to the V&A by T.M. King George V and Queen Mary. Exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition, Wembley, 1924. The model is composite in style and rather than representing any particular temple is a composition, which according to the Museum Register is based mainly on details from the Hoysala dynasty temples at Halebid, Somnathpur and Belur. The shape is quite different from any of these temples. |
| Production | Presented to Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary by His Highness the Maharaja of the State of Mysore in 1923 |
| Association | |
| Summary | This model appeared at the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley in 1924. The Maharaja of Mysore, who probably commissioned it as a diplomatic gift, had presented it to George V and Queen Mary in 1923. It is not the usual accurate copy of a particular building. Instead, it is a mixture of details loosely based on several Hindu temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, near Mysore, that were built during the medieval Hoysala dynasty. However, its shape resembles a casket and is quite different from that of a temple. |
| Other number | RP 1924/8039 - RF number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.321-1924 |
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| Record created | December 31, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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