Water bottles c. 1870 - 1875
Gold | 28.2 x 11.2 cm (average amongst members) | RCIN 11362
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A pair of gold water bottles or surahis with the lower section of the bottle cast to represent land and water-based animals. Perched at the base of the bottleneck are four parrots above a row of 12 makara, mythical composite creatures made of a combination of terrestrial and aquatic animals. The bulbous body of the bottle cast in low relief with a series of 12 ducks. An inscription in Persian on the base of the bottle reads 'Estate of Ahluwalia' in reference to the Ahluwalia dynasty of rulers, to which the Rajas of Kapurthala belonged.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Kharak Singh, Raja of Kapurthala.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold
Measurements
28.2 x 11.2 cm (average amongst members)
Place of Production
Kapurthala [Punjab]