Michael Backman Ltd - Home
Large Superb Chased Silver Teapot in the Bukharan Style
Kashmir, India
19th century
height: 34.8cm, weight: 1.06kg
This unusually large silver ewer is in the style of a Bukharan teapot, although the work is clearly of Kashmir origin - the teapot is entirely chased with the
Kashmiri 'rosette' pattern within floral and paisley borders. The rosette pattern is based on the flowers and foliage of the coriander plant. (The form of the
teapot might appear to be a coffee pot to European tastes but in fact, coffee drinking was unknown in Bukhara in the nineteenth century and earlier - tea was
the beverage that was universally consumed.)
The teapot has a tear-shaped flared body that is decorated with tear-shaped cartouches to either side. It sits on a wide, flared circular foot. The spout is
prominent and continues some way down the base. The lid has a bud finial, matched by a bud-like protuberance that rises and curls down from the handle.
The solid cast handle is in the form of a highly-stylised rooster (lower part) and makhara (upper part); the stylisation allowing the silversmith to conform with
(some) Islamic notions that mitigate against the overt depiction of animal and human forms.
Overall, this is an impressive and monumental piece - surprising in its size and its elaborate decoration. The proportions are excellent, the work is particularly
fine and the item has a good weight in the hand. By any measure, this is an extraordinary piece that both showcases the heights of which nineteenth century
Kashmiri silversmithing was capable and demonstrating a syncreatic blend of influence between Islamic north India and Bukhara, underscoring the trade
routes at that time.
References: Watt, G., Indian Art at Delhi 1903, Being the Official Catalogue of the Delhi Exhibition, 1902-1903, Superintendent of Government Printing, India,
1903.
Inventory no.: 806
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Large Superb Chased Silver Teapot in the Bukharan Style
Kashmir, India
19th century
height: 34.8cm, weight: 1.06kg
This unusually large silver ewer is in the style of a Bukharan teapot, although the work is clearly of Kashmir origin - the teapot is entirely chased with the
Kashmiri 'rosette' pattern within floral and paisley borders. The rosette pattern is based on the flowers and foliage of the coriander plant. (The form of the
teapot might appear to be a coffee pot to European tastes but in fact, coffee drinking was unknown in Bukhara in the nineteenth century and earlier - tea was
the beverage that was universally consumed.)
The teapot has a tear-shaped flared body that is decorated with tear-shaped cartouches to either side. It sits on a wide, flared circular foot. The spout is
prominent and continues some way down the base. The lid has a bud finial, matched by a bud-like protuberance that rises and curls down from the handle.
The solid cast handle is in the form of a highly-stylised rooster (lower part) and makhara (upper part); the stylisation allowing the silversmith to conform with
(some) Islamic notions that mitigate against the overt depiction of animal and human forms.
Overall, this is an impressive and monumental piece - surprising in its size and its elaborate decoration. The proportions are excellent, the work is particularly
fine and the item has a good weight in the hand. By any measure, this is an extraordinary piece that both showcases the heights of which nineteenth century
Kashmiri silversmithing was capable and demonstrating a syncreatic blend of influence between Islamic north India and Bukhara, underscoring the trade
routes at that time.
References: Watt, G., Indian Art at Delhi 1903, Being the Official Catalogue of the Delhi Exhibition, 1902-1903, Superintendent of Government Printing, India,
1903.
Inventory no.: 806
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
The flowers & leaves of the coriander
plant on which the motifs for this piece
partly are derived.
plant on which the motifs for this piece
partly are derived.
