Very Old Bronze Palanquin Pole Finial: Mughal India: - $155 (Stillwater)

Very Old Bronze Palanquin Pole Finial: Mughal India: 1 thumbnail

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Terrific patina with this bronze palanquin pole finial. Palanquins (or sedans) were a prime mode of transportation for a long time in India, with the passenger(s) being carried aloft by 2 or more pole-bearing porters. Such bronze pole finials were protector figures, mostly mythological variations of tiger/leopard heads, sometimes combined with elephant tusks; and some just elephant heads with trunk and tusks. Stylizations varied widely area to area.

Reference shows earliest known Palanquin use in India to the 3rd Century BCE, with peak usage during the Mughal period, 16th to 19th centuries, before falling off with the coming of railways and adequate roads. 18th century is a reasonable estimate for this one, though the span could be wider. 4 1/2”L, 2 1/2” by 2 1/4”. $155.

Bronze, Indian, Asia, Asian, antiques, sculpture

post id: 7884287810

posted: 2025-09-26 07:30

updated: 2025-10-03 14:31

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Very Old Bronze Palanquin Pole Finial: Mughal India: - antiques - by...

Terrific patina with this bronze palanquin pole finial. Palanquins (or sedans) were a prime mode of transportation for a long time in India, with the passenger(s) being carried aloft by 2 or more...