Indian Leather Throne Chair: Silver Clad Over Teakwood with Zebra Hide Upholstery

Silver lions on the crest, more lions on the arms, and a zebra for the seat.

This throne chair is silver clad over teakwood, with zebra hide upholstery, from Rajasthan, India. Silver-sheathed furniture was a mark of rank at Rajasthani courts, where thrones and ceremonial pieces might be clad in embossed sheet metal. The silver here is worked in dense flowers and scrolls, from crest to paw feet. Two lions flank a crown-like finial at the top, and lion heads end each arm. The black and white hide shows splits across the seat.

Sitting in it is not a neutral act.