Indian Gold-Inlaid, Koftgari-work Christian Cross

This Christian cross with tri-lobed terminals, has been decorated on both sides with gold koftgari work (also spelt kuftgari and kuftkari), a technique used by Muslim craftsmen in northern India. It is a form of damascening whereby sheet steel is engraved with the desired design and then silver or, as in this case, gold wire, is hammered into the engraved grooves. The decoration on both sides is akin to scrolling, delicate fern fronds.

A small loop is attached to the top of the crucifix.

It is unusual to have a Christian cross decorated with a technique normally seen on north Indian Muslim items such as pen boxes and dagger blades, but it well demonstrates the pragmatism of India’s highly skilled artisans in the 19th century.

A related example is illustrated in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and illustrated in Barnard (2008, p. 81). The V&A cross appears to have been exhibited in the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867 and was transferred to the V&A from the India Museum in 1879.

The example here is in excellent and stable condition, and is wearable. It is a fine example, and an interesting cross-cultural item from colonial India.