A Royal Boat

Decorative passenger boats were often used by royalty in the Indian subcontinent. This elegant barge with a winged peacock torso at the bow and the head of a makara at the stern is from Mysore, South India. Ivory carvings from South India were characterised by the courtly patronage and often depicted the patrons. A royal figure can be seen seated in the centre with attendants around him. In the early to mid-20th century, such decorative objects were popular in the markets of Bombay, a major centre for ivory trade.