Colonial Cutch Indian Silver Jug

Tall, Chased Silver Claret Jug

This tall, elegant claret jug of solid silver is finely chased all over with Islamic-inspired scrolling leaf and flower patterns that is typical of colonial Cutch silver work of the second half of the nineteenth century. Interspersed among the foliage are a lion, a deer, a hunting dog, and other animals as well as a mounted hunter and one on foot, all against a finely tooled background.

The ewer is of narrow, baluster form and stands on a splendid wide, tiered, flared foot. The neck rises to an undulating mouth covered with a hinged lid surmounted by a leaf-form finial. The solid-cast handle is of leafy, rococo form and chased with Cutch floral scrollwork.

The ewer has no obvious maker’s marks. It is in excellent condition. It is heavy in the hand, and sits in a stable fashion.

Overall, this is a fine and large example of colonial Indian Cutch silver work.

Dehejia, V.,

Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj, Mapin, 2008.

Wilkinson, W.R.T.,

Indian Silver 1858-1947, 1999.

UK art market