Indian Kashmir Parcel-Gilt Silver Water Jug

This well proportioned and elegant water jug has been chased all over with the ‘mosaic’ pattern infilled with coriander leaf and flower motifs.

It has a flattened, spherical base, a neck that gently tapers outwards as it rises, and sits on a low ring foot.  The top and bottom of the body are decorated beautifully and in high relief with borders of lotus petals. The ribs of the petals retain traces of gilded.

The extravagant handle is in the form of three entwined snakes, the central one of which rears its head over the hinged cover. As the bodies of the three reach the body of the jug, they split into three, so that the tails are distinct and flare out, root-like, across the jug – a pleasing and surprising element.

The interior of the jug and lid have been gilded.

A water flask made in a similar manner and possibly by the same maker is illustrated in Wilkinson (1999, p. 118).

The jug is in excellent condition, and is a fine example of Kashmiri silverwork.