Description

Indian wedding palanquin for a bride. Made of a hardwood, possibly padauk, carved with florets and accented with iron details. The domed roof is constructed with a latticework. Doors and window openings are carved to mimic the architecture of a garden courtyard adding to the overall feminine quality of the palanquin.

Palanquins were the most popular means of transportation in British India prior to the introduction of horse-drawn vehicles and the railroad. The bridal palanquin is a wedding tradition that is still in use today.

Provenance: From the collection of the Crocker Museum in Sacramento, California.

Age: 19th Century

Dimensions: Total length including carrying poles: 156″ long. Size of passenger box: 41″ high x 58 1/2″ long x 34″ wide.