A Rare and important Mughal carved wood throne with Qur'anic verses, India, probably Deccan, dated 1297 AH/1879-80 AD

The base of rectangular form, each corner with clenched fist-form supports surmounted by carved parrots, the sides decorated with carved repeating floral designs, the base surface with four metal carrying handles, detachable throne decorated throughout with carved openwork scrolling vines with large flowerheads, the seat with a low back rest carved with inscriptions in thuluth and nasta'liq script, six further carrying handles to base, remnants of paint and gilding throughout

In generally good overall condition, side throne panels slightly loose, losses to paint, vestiges of gilding, a few knocks and abrasions to extremities associated to age, as viewed.
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inscriptions

On the back rest:

The call to God to bless 'The Fourteen Innocents'

For centuries in India, persons of rank and stature were conveyed from place to place on a travelling couch known as a palanquin  (covered or uncovered), held aloft by at least four bearers. The present elaborately carved wooden yet highly unusual piece shares both palanquin and throne-like qualities. Whilst the base section bears handles for carrying, in the style of a travelling bed, the upper section (also with carrying handles) is removable and comprises three steps leading to the seat with inscriptions carved around the inside of the back rest.

Few comparables exist for the present design of throne, although a gild-wood palanquin in the Clive Collection at Powis Castle shares similar decorative motifs along the borders (see M. Archer et al, Treasures from India, London, 1987, pp.80-81, no.100). The steps are a particularly rare feature, and can be viewed as symbolic, relecting the ascendant stature of the throne's incumbent. A further throne comprising steps (made from wood with applied silver) is in Knebworth House, Hertfordshire (published in A. Jackson et al (eds.), Maharaja - The Splendour of India's Royal Courts, London, 2009, p.87, no.67).