Inventory no.: 3453

Kutch Silver Colonial Indian Perfume Bottles

SOLD

Three Matched Chased Silver Scent Bottles Inscribed with Gujarati

Kutch, India

circa 1880

height: 10cm

These three cylindrical perfume bottles are of solid silver. They are chased with the Islamic-inspired slower and foliage scrollwork that is typical of colonial Kutch silversmiths in the late 19th century. Each bottle also has a blank armorial cartouche. (Kutch is a region in northern Gujarat in India.)

Each is fitted with a lid with a bud-like finial. The lids close tight with a bayonette fitting.

The base of each is engraved with a brief inscription in Gujarati script, probably in the Kutchi language, and probably giving the maker’s name. (Gujarati is the main language in the Kutch area).

The three bottles are in fine condition.

References:

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

UK art market

Inventory no.: 3453

SOLD