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Asian Art Museum

Course: Asian Art Museum > Unit 2

Lesson 1: South Asia

Elephant throne (howdah)

Elephants were closely associated with rulership in South Asia and bore many kings through battles, hunts, and ceremonial processions. That this elephant throne, or howdah, was used by royalty is indicated by its covering of embossed and gilded sheets of silver.

Some decorative motifs on the throne—such as the coat of arms on its front and the flower-filled urns on its sides—document the artistic exchange between Europe and South Asia during the colonial period. The lions on the front and sides of the throne continue a South Asian tradition of associating the regal animal with gods, religious figures, and rulers.

Other culturally specific features include the
peacocks, traditional South Asian emblems of royalty
and divinity, in the side panel medallions.

Furnishings of this type were probably produced using pattern books as guides. This elephant throne came with an elaborate burgundy velvet parasol decorated with gold thread. Part of the rod for the parasol can be seen behind the front seat.

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Madeliv
Posted 8 years ago. Direct link to Madeliv's post “Is there a particular rea...”
Is there a particular reason that the parasol would have been burgundy in color ("This elephant throne came with an elaborate burgundy velvet parasol decorated with gold thread")? What I'm trying to say is: did the color have a specific meaning/association in South Asia at the time?
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Anya Taylor
Posted 7 years ago. Direct link to Anya Taylor's post “In the second picture I c...”
In the second picture I couldn't help but notice that there were Ox holding/carrying the coat of arms, would the oxen have any specific meaning in that time period?
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- Deepak Zany
  Posted 7 years ago. Direct link to Deepak Zany's post “perhaps it is a bull whic...”
  perhaps it is a bull which usually was used to show or signify masculinity
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cwbryan04
Posted 8 years ago. Direct link to cwbryan04's post “why do peopel kill eleg...”
why do peopel kill eleghents
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- raut.kshipra
  Posted 8 years ago. Direct link to raut.kshipra's post “This throne is made as a ...”
  This throne is made as a seat that mounts on an elephant, in which a the King or royalty can ride. It is used in a very urban setting such a royal procession through city and and not on a elephant hunting.
  And as the article mentions it wood gilded with gold, no mention of ivory or other bones being used.
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