A Rare Monumental Gilt Copper Fish Standard (Mahi Maratib), India, 18th/19th Century

consisting of a gilt copper fish head, open mouthed with two iron rows of miniature teeth between larger, spiked teeth at the back, with stylised face composed of attached sheets of metal, engraved scale decoration and engraved flower designs below 

In overall good condition, with some discoloration across the surface, rusting along the teeth and minor bends around the open outer back, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Used as an indicator of high rank, such a monumental fish head standard would have been mounted on a pole and exhibited during important processions, carried either by hand or mounted on an elephant or camel (London 1982, no.519). It is interesting to refer back to a frieze of paintings by the Delhi School sold in these rooms on the 25th of May 2005, lot 136, illustrating the Mughal Emperor Akbar II (r.1806-1837) in procession in which such a standard features. In fact, two fish head standards are visible towards the end of one of the frieze panels, indicating their presence and role during such events as well as the way they were displayed.

It is rare to find intact models of such standards and the present imposing model presents a unique opportunity to acquire a symbol of high Mughal honour. A related standard was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition Maharaja (see exhibition catalogue Maharaja. The Splendours of India's Royal Courts, London, 2009, p.94, fig.76). A related fish-form standard is in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (Keene 2001, p.106, no.8.30).