Pair of silver stools from a Maharaja's palace

RAJASTHAN
Rare pair of silver and silver-gilt stools on a wooden core from the palace of Maharaja MEHARAWAL HUKUM SINGH (1839-1898) at the HUDAI BILAS PALACE, DUNGARPUR. They are decorated with scrolled lotus flowers on the belts, surmounted by a lion's head framed by two roaring lions against a background of foliage. The legs end in lion paws. Original purple silk velvet upholstery.
19th century
Height: 27 cm, Length: 50 cm, Depth: 39 cm
A similar stool, but oval, upholstered in green silk, is in the Anne GETTY collection.

This pair of stools is a testimony to the opulence and exceptional design of the Royal Court of Dungarpur, and reflects the elegance of Hudai Bilas Palace, the emblematic residence of the Maharawals. During the reign of Maharawal Udai Singh II (1838-1898), this palace, which was filled with silver furniture, bears witness to the cultural and artistic importance of this princely state. The refined motifs and the quality of the materials illustrate the prestige and influence of the Sisodia dynasty, which left a lasting mark on the history of the region.