Diamond-Inset Enamelled Gold Elephant, Mahout, and Howdah-Enclosed Rider Figurine
Date19th - 20th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumEnameled gold, diamonds
DimensionsOverall: 2 3/4 x 1 1/8 x 2 3/16 in. (7 x 2.9 x 5.5cm)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number44.31
DescriptionThis colorfully enameled elephant figurine bears a mahout, or elephant handler, and a ruler enthroned on a seat called a howdah. In India, elephants were employed as magnificent mounts for royal processions. On such occasions, the animals were adorned with their own regalia. This miniature elephant is draped with a large textile called a jhool, decorated with floral motifs and lined with inlaid diamonds. A smaller textile called a sehri rests atop its forehead.On View
On viewCollections
19th - 20th century
19th - 20th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
13th - 14th century
