Inventory no.: 2262

Indian Silver Model of Taj Mahal

SOLD

Chased Silver Model of the Taj Mahal

North India

19th century

length: 15cm, width: 15cm height: 17cm, weight: 605g

This very fine model of the Islamic Mughal mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, located at Agra, near Delhi, is of solid silver. It is cast and engraved and provides a realistic interpretation in terms of form, with added Islamic-inspired vegetal scrolling for decoration.

The model comprises the base or platform, the central building which gives rise to the main dome as well as four smaller domes and sixteen spires, and four minaret-like columns at each corner of the model. Each of the domes can pull off, including the main dome, revealing small storage-like compartments inside.

See Lot 380 in the Sotheby’s London sale ‘Tribal Art, also Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian and South-East Asian Art’, April 9, 1984, go a similar example.

The patina of this piece suggests that it was made towards the end of the nineteenth century. It is a rare and unusual example of colonial Indian silverwork. It is in excellent condition; there are no losses.

Provenance

UK art market

Inventory no.: 2262

SOLD