Gilded silver Kutch ornament
Price
Status
Available
Region
South Asia (India, Sri-Lanka)
(India, Kutch region (British Raj period))
Period
19th century
Materials
Metal, Silver, Gold
Description
The Kutch region in West-India shows the finest silver repoussé and chased craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Often made in British colonial taste with magnificent details, chased in silver and copper with a resin background, which was later melted to leave a wonderful crisp detail as is often seen on metalwork from this region.
This example:
A scarce metal ornament covered with the finest gilded silver openwork. The ornament shows a metal alloy base with a thick silver decoration depicting birds and foliage. The center has a raised centerpiece depicting a bird with its wing spread, landing amidst flowers. The rim is decorated with a typical foliate design. Similar decoration was seen on goblets, tea- and coffeepots, trays, small furniture and arms from the Royal workshops within the court and seen with the elite within the Bhuj region in Colonial West-India.
The ornament could be a shield boss hence the four double holes through which the ornament was likely stitched or perhaps a chest-ornament. In any case, I was not able to find any similar examples.
Gilded silver Kutch ornament
Condition
Excellent condition, minimal ware on the gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 12.4cm
Height: 2.8cm
Weight
116g.
Comparable items
Provenance
Dutch private collection.
Literature
– Harish K. Patel and Veronica McDavid – Indian silver during the Raj.