Discover House of Sheherwali
Delve into the serene banksof the Ganges, the House of Sheherwali stands as a timeless confluence of heritage, luxury, and sustainability. This museum-cum-hotel offers more than just an exquisite stay where every cornor resonates with stories of artistry and culture.
The heart of this remarkable destination comes with antique treasure, meticulously designed to celebrate the charm of an elegant artifacts offer a glimpse into the past while seamlessly complementing the hotel’s sustainable decoration.
As you explore, you will unveil the stories behind these timeless objects , each delivering the legacy and innovation of the vintage eras.
House of Sheherwali
A Museum Where You Can Stay
Timeless Legacy
Guide to Our Vintage Elegance
Grandfather Clock
The first grandfather clock, designed by British clockmaker William Clement in 1670, introduces a tall. freestanding timepiece that became a household staple. Its pendulum-based mechanism allowed for more accurate timekeeping compared to earlier clocks. The distinct long case design not only housed the larger pendulum but also added a decorative element to homes. This iconic clock set the standard for precise and reliable timekeeping in the centuries that followed.
Artifacts
The art of making artifacts using multiple materials is called mixed media. Mixed media art is created using more than one medium or material, such as: paint, cloth, paper, wood, and found objects
Some examples of mixed media art include: Assemblages, Collages, and Sculpture
Other types of art that use a variety of materials include:
Woodworking: A fine art that uses hardwoods and softwoods to create beautiful artwork
Glass art: Uses hot glass from a furnace to create sculptures, vases, bowls, and more
Carving: Artists remove parts from a raw object like wood or stone to create the desired shape
Casting: Artists pour a liquid into a mould, let it dry and solidify, and then polish off the remaining medium
German Silver
German Silver, also known as nickel silver, is an alloy made of copper, nickel and zinc. Despite its name, it contains no actual silver, but its bright, silvery appearance made it popular in decorative objects, cutlery and jewellry during the 19th century. Valued for its durability and corrosion resistance, German silver became a cost-effective alternative to real silver. It’s versatitlity in both form and function has kept it in use accross various industries, from household itmes to musical instruments.
The Majestic Eagle
The eagle with its keen eyes symbolized courage, strength and immortality. It was also considered “king of the skies” and messenger of the highest Gods. In ancient Rome, the eagle, or aquila, was the standard of a Roman legion. Each legion carried one eagle.
Typewriter
Historians have estimated that some form of the typewriter was invented 52 times as thinkers and tinkerers tried to come up with a workable design. In 1829, American WIlliam Austin Burt patented a machine called the “Typographer” which, in comman with many other early machines, is listed as the “first typewriter”. By the mid 19th century, the increasing pace of business communication had created a need to mechanize the writing process. Stenographers and telegraphers could take down information at rates upto 130 words per minute, whereas a writer with a pen was limited to a maximum of 30 words per minute.
The First Elevator
The first elevator in India was installed at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata by Otis in 1892. By 1900, completely automated elevators were available, but passengers were reluctant to use them.
Some of the princely states then installed lifts in their palaces. One of the First amongst them (after Jaipur) was Bikaner which also was the first city to get electricity Most Sheherwall families came from Bikaner State. These lifts were custom made to suit the aesthetics’ of each palace.
Kantha Stich
Traditionally, women in rural Bengal would gather old saris, dhotis, and other fabrics to create new items, breathing new life into these well-worn textiles For example a pile of old saris could be transformed into a quilt, known as a “Kantha,” or repurposed into various everyday items such as baby swaddling cloths, storage bags, prayer mats, and pillowcases. Each kantha piece was more than just a functional item; it was a canvas for storytelling, where the maker could show their creativity, beliefs, and share their own experiences.
Rare Marble
The rare marble tiles and the arches used here are the remnants of a 400-year-old Jain Temple which was demolished for reconstruction
Batik Printing
Batik fabric is an ancient art form that originated in Indonesia, especifically on the island of Java. Its history dates back over 2000 years, making it one of the oldest textile traditions in the world. The word “Batik” is derived from the Javanese word “Ambatik,” which means “A Cloth with Little Dots.”
In recent years, Batik fabric has found its way into a variety of contemporary uses. Its intricate patterns and vibrant colours make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of culture and artistry to their everyday lives.
Cast iron plate with Mother of Pearl Inlay work
India has a long history with mother of pearl, its seas once rich in pearl oysters. When Marco Polo visited the Gulf of Mannar off the southernmost tip of India in 1294, he saw up to 500 ships harvesting pearl oyster beds. And over the centuries, Rajasthan’s neighbouring state, Gujarat, has played a key role in using mother of pearl in decorative woodware.
Rabindranath Tagore
There are several places in Murshidabad, West Bengal that are associated with Rabindranath Tagore, including a nursing institute, a hospital, and a diagnostic and medical care centre.
Furniture based on Rajasthani Style
The arid deserts of Rajasthan have been home to exquisite woodwork for centuries. In the royal city of Jodhpur, artisans have perfected the craft of furniture making using local woods and traditional joinery techniques passed down through generations. The Sheherwalis also adopted Rajasthani style of Furniture based on Jharokas that are very popular in Rajasthan.
Gilded Furniture
Gilded Furniture although it remains significant to this day, gilding is an age-old technique. The process is believed to have originated in Turkey more than 8,000 years ago, and was commonly used by the ancient Egyptians, the Phoenicians, and eventually the early Europeans.
In recent years, Batik fabric has found its way into a variety of contemporary uses. Its intricate patterns and vibrant colours make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of culture and artistry to their everyday lives.
Bengal Style Edwardian Furniture
The Edwardian era dates from 1901-1910, and is so called as King Edward had just ascended the throne in England. People were looking for something different from the heavy, dark feeling of the Victorian era. Bengali Furniture also got influenced by changing furniture styles in Great Britain.
Victorian Furniture
Victorian Furniture refers to the style of antique furniture that was made during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) It is often revivalist in style, in that it adopts stylistic motifs from other periods, creating huge waves of revivals with nostalgic nods to the past.
Bengal Style Victorian Beds
The Britishers in India were so mesmerised by the fine craftsmanship of wood carvings in the various architecture of Bengal, namely in temples, chariots and items of use in the forts; that they enthusiastically took up the challenge to partner with the local artisans and bring about a new style which represented a marriage between the Bengali and the Victorian and Edwardian styles of furniture. This unique ‘Bengal Style British Furniture‘ became popular among the Bengal Zamindars and elite society in the 18th and 19th centuries, and began selling like hot cakes in the rest of British India.
Silver Leaf Furniture
The use of silver leaf on furniture has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations:
Ancient Greece:
Silver was used to decorate items in tombs as early as the fourth century BC. A stool fragment found in Thessaloniki was covered in silver foil.
Ancient Rome:
The rich and powerful had Sella stools and Fulcra couches covered in silver or gold leat Silver leaf was also used to decorate buildings and sculptures
Modern Times:
Silver leaf is still used today in interior design, architecture, and artwork. Silver furniture can be paired with dark wood furniture, leather accessories, and rich fabrics like silk, jacquard, satin, and velvet.
Glassware
Glassware, first developed by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans, became a staple in households and laboratories for its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Early glass items were handcrafted, often prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. Over time, techniques such as glassblowing refined the process, making glassware more accessible and practical for everyday use.