Colonial Indian Silver Madras Chennai

Chased & Engraved Silver Coffee Pot

This very fine silver coffee pot has a pleasing, slightly-tapering cylindrical body that is repoussed, chased and engraved with eight central panels of stylised Hindu gods on their mounts (vahana) between wide borders of more god-type figures amid vegetal and floral scrolls. The slightly domed, hinged lid is similarly decorated and surmounted by a solid silver cast figure of a seated god with four arms.

The dramatic handle is formed as an ‘S’-shaped scroll engraved with a repeated jasmine-bud motif. The prominent spout is in the form of superbly-rendered

yali head and tapering neck; the neck being very finely engraved with scale-like decoration.

The interior of the body and lid have been gilded.

Overall, this is an excellent example of colonial Indian silver-work. The decoration remains crisp; there are no dents or repairs. The lid fits tightly, and the pot sits evenly. It is sculptural and has a good weight.

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

UK art market