Referred to as the last of the big spenders, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao was the final royal connoisseur of luxury. Known for commissioning some of the most fabulous pieces of jewelry and daily-use articles, one of the most unique creations was a gold cage designed for his pet frog.
A Gold Ladder and Emerald Birds
Nicknamed the “House of Hortense,” this exquisite cage was custom-made by the renowned European jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels in 1935. Its design resembled that of a birdcage, featuring a delicate gold ladder at its center. The cage was elegantly equipped with a central wading pool and two half-moon-shaped feeders adorned with sapphires.
Crafted from a variety of precious materials, the cage showcased yellow gold, black enamel, brown agate, cabochon-cut rubies, sapphires, lapis lazuli, and intricate coral details. Legend has it that the frog had a unique ability to predict the weather; its position on the ladder indicated impending rain for the city of Baroda.
After the frog’s passing, the cage was transformed into a birdcage. The gold ladder was replaced with a swing that cradled two carved emerald lovebirds with ruby eyes, symbolizing enduring companionship.
Recently auctioned by Christie’s, this exquisite work of art fetched nearly $150,000. More than just a lavish artifact, the cage epitomizes the extravagant lifestyle of the Gaekwads, serving as a vivid reminder that true royalty is often defined by its opulence and unique creations.
Partial Source: Akshay Chavan’s Blog
No Comments