Bronze Palanquin Leopard Finial

Bronze Palanquin Leopard Finial Circa 1800 Cast in the form of a fierce leopard, this rare bronze finial once adorned the end of a palanquin pole and dates to the turn of the 19th century. The palanquin, or “palki,” is a litter-style conveyance that has been used in India for centuries to transport individuals in enclosed compartments borne on poles. Finials like this one were attached to the ends of those poles, combining ornamentation with function in a display of craftsmanship and status. The word “palanquin” derives from the Sanskrit palanki, meaning “bed” or “couch.” These richly draped conveyances were traditionally carried by four to eight bearers—known variously as behara, dulia or boyee, depending on the region. Interiors were often appointed with plush bedding and pillows to ensure comfort while traveling. Although palanquins are first mentioned in the 3rd-century BCE epic Ramayana, their peak usage occurred during the Mughal era, from the 16th through 19th centuries. With