Asian Voice by Asian Business Publications Ltd

Asian Voice - Saturday 6th November 2010

Britain and Glasgow in a chase of Tipu Sultan's Golden Throne Finial By Kartik Raval With a shape of a tiger's head, the Finial is made from Indian gold encrusted with gems and diamonds and was part of the throne created for the use of Sultan Fatih Ali Khan Tipu, popularly known as Tipu Sahib or Tipu Sultan who ruled Mysore during the late 18th Century. It was created along with its stand in the royal workshops at Seringapatam in Mysore and was brought to the UK by Thomas Wallace, 1st Baron Wallace of Knarsdale, in 1843 and has been in the country ever since. With the temporary export ban expiring on 15th November 2010, time is running out for the Art-lovers to keep the outstanding Throne Finial in the UK. Against the asking rate of £398,600 to acquire this gold studded Finial, Sir William Burrell's Trust and The Art Fund have given funds of £125,000 each while Glasgow Museums have supplied with another £30,000. But with the deadline in next two weeks, they are still short of another £110,000 and are calling for all the ancient-art admirers and museums to help keeping it in the UK. If not, the rare 18th century Indian treasure

will be up for sale on the International market. The beautiful Finial represents the life of Tipu Sultan, his majestic kingdom, administration and his brave battles with British East India Company army. Four Anglo-Mysore wars were fought and in the last one Tipu Sultan lost his life and also the kingdom. tiger also represents the society of the Kingdom of Mysore, where Hindus – the majority of the population – lived in harmony with the

Tipu Sultan’s Throne Finial is in the shape of a jeweled gold tiger’s head, made of hammered gold sheet set with foiled polished cabochon rubies and emeralds and foiled table-cut diamonds. It is decorated with engraved outlines and punch-work into the gold sheet. The gems are spread out symmetrically over the tiger’s head defining his eyes, eyebrows, nose, whiskers, teeth, tongue, stripes, and neck-collar. The finial’s core is filled with lac, a natural tree resin.The tiger’s head is 6.9 cm high and 338g in weight.

minority ruling Muslims. Tipu Sultan’s Mysore was known for its social stability and economic. The Golden Tiger Head which is preserved at Bonhams in London is recognized the British by Government as being of outstanding significance and is listed in an 1843 inventory of the contents of Featherstone Castle, the family seat. Lord Wallace was a prominent politician and a Member of Parliament. Hhad a close association with India through a number of senior official posts he held, was related to the British administration of India, and also used to trade with the Subcontinent and with the British East India Company. If the required money is raised then this Tiger Finial would be displayed at The Burrell Collection in Glasgow. Working continuously to achieve this target, Noorah Al-Gailani, Curator of Islamic

Civilisations at The Burrell Collections reveals “ If we don’t raise the last of the money, there’s a chance this great treasure will be lost by the nation forever. Sir William Burrell devoted his life in collecting great works

and rare items and artefacts from across the world. In the most selfless of acts, he gifted them to the people of Glasgow. We are now looking for an individual, trust or company who will follow his example and secure this Finial for Glasgow and Britain.” The value of this rare Indian treasure is clear from the amount of work done and money that is being invested. Moreover the magnitude of attention received by this 18thcentury stunning Golden Indian Tiger reflects its high significance in the UK. When asked about the relevance of this Finial, Stephen Deuchar, Director of the Art Fund, said: “This is an outstanding artefact which tells all kinds of stories of a bygone era. This golden tiger captures the wealth and power of Tipu Sultan, but it also reminds us of the impact of the British Empire on colonized countries. We hope that the final amount will be raised in time to keep this gem in public collections, so that it can illuminate the past for many more visitors, years to come.”

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