Large Chased Silver Claret Jug, Kutch, India

Large Chased Silver Claret Jug

This tall, surprisingly-heavy claret jug of solid silver is finely chased all over with Islamic-inspired scrolling leaf and flower patterns, together with hunting scenes, against a finely tooled background that is typical of colonial Kutch silver work of the second half of the nineteenth century.

The ewer is of narrow, baluster form, and stands on a wide, flared, domed foot. The stem that rises from the foot leads to a collar of plain silver and then the body of the ewer after that.

The neck rises to an undulating mouth covered with a hinged, undulating lid topped by a cobra head finial.

.The solid-cast handle is of formed as the tightly twisted bodies of two cobras, their heads being wrapped around the mouth of the ewer

The ewer has no obvious maker’s marks. It is in fine condition. It is heavy in the hand, and sits in a stable fashion.

Overall, this is an impressive and showy example of fine colonial Indian Kutch silver work.

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

Wilkinson, W.R.T.,

Indian Silver 1858-1947, 1999.

UK art market