This sculpture is impressive both for its size, the scene it depicts and its artistic quality. Directly brought back from India, this sculpture represents a tiger hunting scene. At the time, this activity was one of the favourite "sports" of the Maharajas. 

In relative safety on the back of an imposing elephant, the kings set out to conquer terrible animals such as tigers. Elephants, these Asian giants, are not afraid of ferocious felines and made the exercise easier. Magnificently decorated for the occasion, the Maharajas proudly sat in their howdah, a kind of palanquin. In addition to sheltering hunters from the sharp jaws of tigers, howdahs were mostly used to carry wealthy people to war, but were above all a symbol of wealth for its owner. Consequently, this makeshift harness is often richly decorated, sometimes even with precious stones. 

Made of carved wood and meticulously hand-painted according to Indian craftsmanship, this exceptional piece offers us the intensity and experience of a tiger hunt in the past. Three men are seen fighting the tigers. One of the tigers is trying to reach the hunters, who have taken refuge on high ground, while the second tiger is attacking the pachyderm directly.

Retour De Voyage could nothing but be fascinated by this sculpture which bears witness to grandiloquent practices. We particularly appreciate the care taken with the paintings, the colours which are full of detail and which make the work more alive than ever.