Gilded silver Kutch ornament

An ornamental boss, covered in repoussé silver. West-India, Kutch region, late 19th century.

Details of this item

Price

 2.500

Status

Available

Region

South Asia (India, Sri-Lanka)
(India, Kutch region (British Raj period))

Period

19th century

Materials

Metal, Silver, Gold

Price

 2.500

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.

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Provenance

Dutch private collection.

Literature

– Harish K. Patel and Veronica McDavid – Indian silver during the Raj.