拍品专文
The distinctive coat of arms found on these lanterns, with the confronted bulls flanking a shield emblazoned with a golden eagle and surmounted by small dhow atop a helmet, demonstrate beyond doubt that this was commissioned for a Maharaja of Bhavnagar, formerly a princely state, now part of Gujarat, on the Gulf of Khambhat. The city of Bhavnagar, an important trading post for the cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat, was founded as a port in 1743. The motto in devanagari script reads manushya dhan- ishwar kripa (man's wealth - (is) God's gift).
A magnificent silver landau carriage made for the Maharaja of Bhavnagar by the Fort Coach Factory in Bombay was sold at Christie's, London, 23 September 2005, lot 161.
A magnificent silver landau carriage made for the Maharaja of Bhavnagar by the Fort Coach Factory in Bombay was sold at Christie's, London, 23 September 2005, lot 161.