UDAIPUR THE CRYSTAL GALLERY

THE CRYSTAL GALLERY

The Udaipur Collection of crystal is one of the largest and most complete collections of Osler cut glass in existence. In both diversity of objects and in the quality and grandeur of the included pieces, it holds a unique place in the decorative art world. Most of this collection was commissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1878, with the larger commissions of the furniture pieces being given to Osler in 1881. The exquisite crystal items in the gallery range from dining table, table, sofa set, washing bowl, goblet, tray, decanter, to perfume bottles, candle stands, crockery and even beds. The highlight of the gallery is a jewel studded carpet, embodying peerless class. The gallery even exhibits a Royal punkah (manually operated fan) in crystal and soft red satin material with the Mewar emblem of the Sun embroidered on it. The Crystal Gallery exhibits artefacts primarily created by F. & C. Osler, the foremost manufacturers of monumental cut glass luxury objects in the Victorian era and thereafter. Established in Birmingham in 1807, Osler revolutionised the cut glass industry by exploring the material’s structural possibilities, conceiving for the first time a monumental form of crystal, of which the Udaipur Collection is a fine example. F. & C. Osler traded very successfully through much of the 19th century both in Britain and in India.