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.

Makers

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

Custodians

Although much of Osler lighting equipment in the form of lamps, hanging lights and chandeliers was in use in Udaipur since Maharana Sajjan Singh’s first order in 1878, the custom-made furniture was not delivered until after his death in 1884. Thus he was unable to see the dazzling crystals himself. The ensuing two rulers, Maharana Fateh Singh and Maharana Bhupal Singh kept most of it in storage during their incumbencies.  It was only in 1954 that Maharana Bhagwat Singh placed the crystal furniture in the Lake Palace before it became a hotel and later moved it to the Shiv Niwas Palace, then the royal guesthouse, before it too became a hotel in 1984. The present Maharana of Udaipur, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur decided to display the crystal to the public in 1994 as museum pieces in its current setting.

Flora Danica

Flora Danica was first commissioned by Crown Prince Frederik at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory which was founded in Denmark, in 1775. According to tradition the service was intended as a gift for the Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, an enthusiastic collector of porcelain. Porcelain had become a matter of royal prestige since the recipe for this 'white gold' had been rediscovered in Europe in the beginning of the century. The 18th century was also the age of enlightenment and sensitivity, and Europe was fascinated with botany. It was for this reason that the king chose to have Danish flora and fauna depicted on this gift service

The creation of the Flora Danica service was an immense task.  It became the life's work of one of the most gifted artists of the late 18th century, and one of the greatest porcelain painters, Johann Christoph Bayer. The long and laborious process commenced in 1790 and took 12 years to complete.

The service was made up of 1,802 different pieces of hand-moulded and hand-painted porcelain. 

The Mewar Collection, (housed in Fateh Prakash Palace along with the Crystal Gallery) itself acquired from a royal household, is a revival of the old dinner service which follows the classical pearl form - a design rich in shapes of flowers and leaves, indented rims, numerous lace-like carvings and meticulous, intricate details.