Ceremonial mace
Indian - Gujarat
Category
Arms and armour
Date
1600
Materials
wood, mother-of-pearl & bronze
Measurements
670 mm (H); 210 mm (W); 210 mm (D)
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107238
Summary
Mughal ceremonial mace dating from around 1600. In paintings dating from this time, maces were commonly depicted being carried by court attendants as a badge of office. This mace is particularly heavy and would have been carried over the shoulder. It has a bronze handle with plumage effect pattern that is repeated in mother-of-pearl, the top is also made from bronze and has a leaf pattern and the top is the shape of a flower bud. It was bought in Simla in Himachal Pradesh; the summer capital during the British Raj. Although it was bought in Simla, it probably came from Gujarat, where this type of mother-of-pearl inlay was a speciality. This is one of a pair of maces, the other being on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum (IM 228-1927). 'A Ceremonial club decorated with mother-of-pearl and black composition, with brass mounts - Indian, bought at Simla'(Christie's entry)
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
Makers and roles
Indian - Gujarat, maker