An Indian repoussé silver veneered throne armchair, possibly Baudh, Bengal third quarter 19th century

the pierced arched back surmounted by a crown centred by an unidentified coat-of-arms flanked by a rampant lion within a frame decorated with flowers, foliage and grapes and vine leaves above a roundel depicting peacocks flanking a stylised fountain, the reverse depicting the same scene above arms in the form of a recumbent tigers with glass eyes and serpentine padded seat, the seat-rail with a further lion mask on cabriole legs terminating in hairy paw front feet on rear splayed legs, decorated on the back to form a centre-piece, the whole applied with contemporary red velvet applied with silvered-gilt metal purl work decoration in foliate bands around the chair seat and in raised stripes on the inner chair arms to imitate tiger stripes, and with a larger cartouche within the seat back centred by a pair of peacocks

In overall good conserved condition. Attractive detail to the metalwork. There are old minor dents discolouration, surface dirt and very minor losses which are hardly noticeable. There are some losses to the red paint inside the mouths and ears of the tiger heads and part of the tongue of the right side lion is missing. Joints sound and sturdy. The upholstery: Upholstered with velvet and couched silvered-gilt metal purl work which is original to the chair. The velvet is in good overall condition, except to the roundel on the seat back, where it is worn (as visible in the photograph). The four-sided velvet band to which the design is applied to the seat, is attached to the general velvet seat covering, and towards the back of the seat there are two small sections of velvet which are a little loose and need stabilising. The silvered-gilt metal purl work is tarnished overall. There are some loose areas of metal thread in areas, and some minor losses, for example to some of the stripe motifs on the inner arms, showing the thicker cotton threads beneath, used to create relief. The facing purl work peacocks are highlighted with pink and purple silk highlights.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Amin Jaffer, Furniture from British India and Ceylon, A Catalogue of the Collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, London, 2001, pp. 224-227, no. 69.

This silver veneered armchair originating from India is extremely rare in that very few examples survive with their original upholstery intact. The design of this throne armchair is inspired by British Victorian prototypes and it demonstrates how in the 19th century Indian princes began to adopt Western style furniture and the custom of elevated seating, see Jaffar op. cit., p. 227 fig. 101, for a design for a very similar armchair, with lion supports, (Northern India, circa 1860). The style of this armchair is in Rococo revival which was popular for Indian palace furniture and various examples of throne armchairs are depicted with cabriole legs, cartouche shaped backs and rich carving. Royal furniture was produced according to standard designs in mid 19th century British India which is confirmed by the tradesman's pattern book see fig. 1, ante.

In South Asia it was traditional to cover royal objects with gold and silver which were not only precious materials but considered pure and worthy of kings and these type of throne armchairs were often covered in precious materials and sometimes even embellished with gemstones.The peacocks on the back resemble the cipher of the royal house of Baudh which was a former princely state in the Bengal Presidency (one of the provinces of India under British Colonial rule) and the manner in which they are represented with their tails to the side rather than their feathers spread open behind them is distinctive of Baudh and their positioning as supporters to a central urn was probably inspired by Western heraldy according to Jaffer op. cit. 

Furthermore, the same author op. cit., p. 224, illustrates a pair of throne armchairs and footstools in wood covered with silver with later velvet upholstery described as Orissa, India possibly Baudh (Victoria and Albert Musuem, IS. 190 to C-1983). Also see a very similar armchair with lion supports, illustrated op. cit., p. 227, fig. 100. 

Various examples of these throne armchairs have appeared at auction, see for example, lot 323, for the late19th century Travancore state silver throne, sold Bonhams, 20th November 2007, lot 323 (£22,800).