Ceremonial staff
Category
Objets de vertu
Date
1903
Materials
silver, wood & lacquer
Measurements
1560 mm (H); 55 mm (Dia)
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107285
Summary
This is a ceremonial staff that was given to Lord Curzon in 1903, most likely to mark the Delhi durbar. The staff is made of carved wood with red lacquer and has a silver head and ferrule. The head rattles and is decorated with a repoussé design of flowers and a sword. The inscription that spirals down the body of the staff reads 'To His Excellency the Right Honourable George Nathaniel Baron Curzon of Kedleston, P.C., G.M.S.I., G.M.I.E., Viceroy and Governor General of India. Presented and engraved by S. N. Brahm Chari, November, 1903'. 'An Indian lacquered wood Ceremonial staff, with silver head, inscribed 'To His Excellency the Right Honourable George Nathaniel Baron Curzon of Kedleston, P.C., G.M.S.I., G.M.I.E., Viceroy and Governor General of India. Presented and engraved by S. N. Brahm Chari, November, 1903'' (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.
Marks and inscriptions
To His Excellency the Right Honourable George Nathaniel Baron Curzon of Kedleston, P.C., G.M.S.I., G.M.I.E., Viceroy and Governor General of India. Presented and engraved by S. N. Brahm Chari, November, 1903