Tippoo's Tiger

If you're planning a trip to the V&A , swing by and take a peek at Tippoo's Tiger. Grotesque, but fascinating, this lifesize automaton is of an Indian tiger devouring a european soldier. The body houses an organ and when the handle on the tiger's shoulder is turned it creates the sound of the victim's cries and the tiger's growl. Grrrrrrrrr!

The c18th piece was originally commissioned and owned by the Indian ruler, Tipu Sultan of Mysore, known as The Tiger of Mysore. It was meant to be seen as a symbol of his authority and of his opposition to the British. Tipu was quite a character, well known for his tiger mania. It is said that within his armoury he had mortars shaped like sitting tigers and cannons with tiger shaped muzzles.
After Tipu's death the automaton found it's way to England where both tiger and Sultan became popular subjects depicted in literature and art of the c19th (including Wilkie Collins', Moonstone' novel).

There is an animated clip of the tiger in action on the V&A website if you'd care to take a look....
Should you wish to read more, Susan Stronge's, 'Tipu's Tigers' book is V&A's January Book of the Month on special offer on their website...



Comments

holly aka golly said…
I think I love this!
Murgatroyd said…
Thank you...It's quite something when you see it for real...