Indian Lion-Shaped Palanquin Finial

This fine example of a palanquin or shamiyana pole end is of silvered copper and is shaped as a lion’s head.

It is most probably from Delhi and would have been used on a palanquin most probably used to transport a member of the Imperial family, of whom there were many on account of polygamy.

The lion has been cast with raised brows; wide, almond-shaped eyes; prominent ears; and a gaping mouth lined by pointy teeth and a protruding, movable tongue.

A silver palanquin finial of similar form in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum is illustrated in Wheeler (1956, p. 82).

The example here is sculptural, and free of dents or repairs.