2-791-320 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Tippo Saib's peacock, 1844. The 'Huma Bird', an ornament in the shape of a bird of paradise made from gold, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, silver gilt for Tipu, Sultan of Mysore. After Tipu's defeat and death in 1799, his treasury and library in Seringapatam were ransacked by British forces. The Huma Bird was 'acquired' by Marquess Wellesley for the Directors of the East India Company in 1799. It was then presented to George III. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.