Anglo-Indian Zoomorphic Polychrome Painted Armchair

An Anglo-Indian polychrome painted armchair of striking zoomorphic construction, dating from the turn of the twentieth century. Constructed in indigenous hardwood, the chair marries Western seat furniture proportions with the rich ornamental vocabulary of Northern India, likely produced in Rajasthan or Gujarat.

The crest rail is centred by a carved pair of confronted birds, flanked by projecting elephant-head finials, over a frieze depicting seated courtiers in traditional miniature style. The splat features a central oval cartouche enclosing a solitary standing figure, flanked by open fretwork. Sculptural armrests are formed as arched peacocks whose tails meet the uprights, descending onto crouching, bared-tooth tigers that serve as the arm supports. The seat panel is painted with a central floral spray within bordered bands, raised upon cabriole front legs carved with foliate knees and resting on stylized paw feet. The painted ground retains a rich madder-red hue with extensive, honest rubbing across the seat.