Mughal Silver Gilt Goblet, India

Rare Parcel Gilt & Chased Silver Goblet

Deccan or Northern India

18th century

height: 13.5cm, weight: 318g

This goblet is a very beautiful example of eighteenth century Indian silver. Either from India’s north or from the Deccan, it is unusual for the thick overlay of gold used to embellish the silver.

The lower and upper borders of the elongated bowl of the goblet are finely chased with scrolling foliage and flowers. Thick ribs, alternately in plain silver and overlaid with gold, decorate the space between the borders.

The flared, domed foot is chased with the same scrolling foliage and floral border as used on the bowl. The plain section of the foot and the underside of the bowl have both been gilded.

The goblet is noticeably heavy in the hand. Indeed, the weight is surprising when the goblet is first held. There is some minor age and use-related mis-shaping to the rim of the foot and to the bowl, but this enhances the goblet’s feel of antiquity. Otherwise, the goblet is in excellent condition.

The chasing work is reminiscent of Kutch silverwork that was done in northern India in the second half of the nineteenth century. But Kutch work appears to have few antecedents. It is possible that this goblet is something of a ‘missing link’ between earlier Deccan and Mughal silverwork and Kutch work of the nineteenth century.

References

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

Terlinden, C., Mughal Silver Magnificence, Antalga, 1987.

Provenance:

UK art market

Inventory no.: 3156

SOLD