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Extremely Fine Standing Cup & Cover
Madras, India
1880 or earlier
height: 36cm, weight: 1.076kg
This large example of Madras 'Swami' standing cup and cover is notable for the fineness of the silverwork - often Madras silverwork has good, clear forms but
the detailing is not as crisp or as well formed as silverwork from elsewhere in India, but this piece is an exception: it is one of the finest examples of Madras
silverwork that we have encountered. ('Swami' is a south Indian word for a Hindu idol.)
The domed lid comprises a rim with a floral border, a row of 'swami' figures within round cartouches, a wide leafy border against a fine tooled background and
surmounted by a swami-like figure astride a lion.
The cup has two rococo-style handles beautifully formed with foliage scroll-work and entirely worked with a fine tooled background. The body has a central
frieze of eight gods and goddesses astride their various vahanas (Ganesh for example is shown atop a rat) all within elaborate leafy cartouches and against
tooled backgrounds. The base of the cup has a wide fine acanthus leaf border. The stem has a lobe that is further decorated with swami figures. And the wide,
splayed foot is worked with scrolling leaf and petal borders.
The condition of this piece is exceptional - there are no dents, splits and no obvious wear from polishing or cleaning. The piece is unmarked.
Inventory no.: 819
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Extremely Fine Standing Cup & Cover
Madras, India
1880 or earlier
height: 36cm, weight: 1.076kg
This large example of Madras 'Swami' standing cup and cover is notable for the fineness of the silverwork - often Madras silverwork has good, clear forms but
the detailing is not as crisp or as well formed as silverwork from elsewhere in India, but this piece is an exception: it is one of the finest examples of Madras
silverwork that we have encountered. ('Swami' is a south Indian word for a Hindu idol.)
The domed lid comprises a rim with a floral border, a row of 'swami' figures within round cartouches, a wide leafy border against a fine tooled background and
surmounted by a swami-like figure astride a lion.
The cup has two rococo-style handles beautifully formed with foliage scroll-work and entirely worked with a fine tooled background. The body has a central
frieze of eight gods and goddesses astride their various vahanas (Ganesh for example is shown atop a rat) all within elaborate leafy cartouches and against
tooled backgrounds. The base of the cup has a wide fine acanthus leaf border. The stem has a lobe that is further decorated with swami figures. And the wide,
splayed foot is worked with scrolling leaf and petal borders.
The condition of this piece is exceptional - there are no dents, splits and no obvious wear from polishing or cleaning. The piece is unmarked.
Inventory no.: 819
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
