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Turban tassels second half eighteenth century?

Silk, metal, thread | 6.7 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 67235

Grand Vestibule, Windsor Castle

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  • Red silk tassels in pom pom shape, said to have come from Tipu Sultan's turban. The upper parts of embossed gold bound with gold thread.

    Tipu Sultan succeeded as ruler of the South Indian state of Mysore in 1782, where he built a sophisticated and modern court around his palace at Seringapatam. Tipu spent much of his reign engaged in hostilities against the British. In 1792 a peace treaty was signed but the discovery of secret communciations with Napoleon brought about a renewed British campaign against him, culminating in the sack of Seringapatam on 4 May 1799, at which time many of his personal effects were seized.
    Provenance

    Traditionally said to have been taken from the turban of Tipu Sultan of Mysore. Purchasedfor £8 in 1936 from Miss Charlotte E. Cowie, who had received them in 1870 from her uncle, Alexander Cowie, then in India.

  • Creator(s)
  • Medium and techniques

    Silk, metal, thread

    Measurements

    6.7 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm (whole object)

  • Place of Production

    India