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Teapot, penguin-form, from three piece tea service
Indian
About 1920–1930
Medium/Technique
Silver, with Bakelite handle
Dimensions
Height: 24.1 cm (9 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Keith McLeod Fund and partial gift of Richard Milhender
Accession Number2013.628.1
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsTableware
This tea service, delightfully comprised of emperor penguins (endemic to Antarctica), bears the arms of Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner from 1888–1943, on the left wing of each piece. The royal arms includes the motto (in Hindi): "Victory to the King of the Desert." Ganga Singh was one of many Indian maharajas who developed a taste for Art Deco in the early 20th century. The modern lines of this tea service would not have been out of place in his palace, which also featured an Art Deco swimming pool.
ProvenanceAbout 1920s, probably Ganga Singh (r. 1888 - 1943), Maharaja of Bikaner. 2011, sold by Michael Bachman Ltd., London to Richard Milhender, Boston; 2013, sold by Richard Milhender to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 26, 2013)