Splendours of the Subcontinent
The future Edward VII toured India in 1875-6 when Prince of Wales. A selection of gifts he was presented with is collected together here
Perfume holder
c. 1870 - 1875Gold, enamel, diamonds and pearls | 10.2 x 8.9 x 7.0 cm (parts .a-b together) | RCIN 11423
This perfume holder was a gift from Ram Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur. When pressure is applied to the rod beneath the tray, the ‘leaves’ of the perfume holder open to reveal a yellow enamelled cup and cover. The feet of the tray are in the form of elephant-like animals with curled up trunks that rest on green enamelled circular feet with kundan-set diamonds.
The circular tray is enamelled with eight oval medallions depicting hunting scenes, the Chandra Mahal and Amber Fort, and floral designs similar to the salver (RCIN 11469). Thomas Holbein Hendley recorded that this perfume holder was enamelled by Hira Singh and that it cost 10,000 rupees to produce. The enamelled holder underwent five firings and took five years to complete.
