1880-1890 Repousse Silver Shikaar Bowl Lucknow, India (330+ grams)

Rare ca 1890 Indian colonial silver rose bowl made in a classic Lucknow style. Of high-grade silver, it has been repoussed and chased with an elaborate and thrilling hunting scene, all in varying and high relief. At one point, a shikari leans to the front of the elephant saddle to club a tiger as the others draw guns to repel the animal which has beset their elephant party. One man has been ravaged by the tiger and lays in front of the elephants. Other mahouts look on from the saddle. In another scene, a rider on horseback takes aim at a tiger that has felled a running stag. A pair of young Indian boars are pursued at spearpoint by men on horseback. In a third, a man attacks a tiger with a dagger to save a second man who has been mauled. At the bottom of the bowl is a gorgeous stamped mandala. The entire bowl is framed within interspersed palm and other trees which typifies Lucknow style silver. Foliate bands of repousse and geometric boundaries adorn the bowl at the lip, bottom of the body, and at the foot. Coriander leaf band encircles the bowl. The myriad flower types belie the purpose of this unusual piece which was to float flowers blossoms for display or as a vase.

Weight is 332 grams. A superb example of the craftsmanship of the Indian silversmith. Condition is good with some minor dings. Dimensions of this piece are about 4" x 6.25" x 6.25" D. It is not watertight and may well have had a liner of some sort. A related bowl is referenced in Dehejia, Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj (2008, p. 176-77). Another bowl in the "Hunting pattern" is referenced in Wilkinson, Indian Silver 1858-1947 (1999, p. 135).

Price is firm.


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