This whimsical vessel in the shape of a fish is of chased silver and actually serves as a rosewater sprinkler. Possibly of Indonesian manufacture.
The fish is fleshy, and chased with scales and extravagant fins and eyelashes. The mouth is open with what might be described as a smirk baring fangs and teeth. The eyes bulge and the nostrils are raised. The fish is fixed to a silver platform or plate that is engraved with waves and six fish motifs.
The lower part of the tail is fixed with a hollow round pierced sphere through which the rosewater is emitted. The tail screws off (clockwise in the traditional Indian manner rather than anti-clockwise) to allow the vessel to be filled.
The sprinkler is in an excellent condition. There are no maker’s or assay marks.