18th-Century Indian Carved Alabaster Tiger
18th-Century Indian Carved Alabaster Tiger
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A striking 18th-century Indian carved alabaster figure of a tiger, presented reclining upon a carved red velvet cushion. Sculpted with a powerful, compact body and alert expression, the animal is finely painted with dark stripes and facial details that bring animation and character to the pale, softly translucent stone.
The tiger has long held an important place in Indian art and culture, representing strength, courage, royalty, and protection. Here, the natural luminosity of the alabaster gives the figure a wonderful tactile quality, while the painted decoration adds contrast and reinforces the creature's distinctive markings. Its poised, watchful form conveys both the authority of the tiger and the charm of a finely observed decorative object.
The rich red velvet cushion provides a theatrical setting for the figure, complementing the warm tones of the paintwork and lending the piece a sense of luxury. Whether originally made as an object of display, an ornament for a princely interior, or part of a wider decorative scheme, it is an evocative survival from the artistic traditions of 18th-century India.
A rare and characterful object with strong sculptural presence, this carved tiger would make a captivating addition to a collection of Indian decorative arts, animalier sculpture, or historic objets d'art. Equally, it would be a memorable focal point in a library, drawing room, cabinet, or interior with an eclectic or grand-tour sensibility.
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