Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World
The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world
SIAMESE
Crown of the Major King of Siam (facsimile)
c.1800-1857RCIN 67205
A gold and polychrome red and green enamelled Thai crown with a multi-tiered pointed finial set with cabochon rubies, with applied flower heads set with rose cut diamonds; the silk chin strap with applied gold links; similarly decorated gold side pieces cast with a flambeau pattern. The crown is a facsimile of the crown of the Major King of Siam.
The crown is of a form unique to the Siamese and Khmer regalia, deriving from a helmet and consisting of numerous concentric tiers. It is unusually light since its use was not restricted to the coronation or other great state ceremonies.
Many of the gifts brought to Windsor by King Mongkut's ambassadors were faithful replicas of royal regalia or ceremonial objects, as well as examples of traditional gold and enamelling techniques which had persisted at the Siamese court for centuries.
The crown is of a form unique to the Siamese and Khmer regalia, deriving from a helmet and consisting of numerous concentric tiers. It is unusually light since its use was not restricted to the coronation or other great state ceremonies.
Many of the gifts brought to Windsor by King Mongkut's ambassadors were faithful replicas of royal regalia or ceremonial objects, as well as examples of traditional gold and enamelling techniques which had persisted at the Siamese court for centuries.