Kashmir Indian Silver Ewer or Coffee Pot

Unusual Chased Silver Ewer in the Form of a Middle Eastern Coffee Pot with an Agate Finial

Kashmir, India

circa 1870

height: 18.5cm, width: 15.5cm, weight: 287g

This highly unusual example of north Indian silverware brings together two different but perhaps related cultures from two vastly different geographies. It is a silver vessel of obvious Kashmiri silver-smithing work employing Islamic-inspired arabesques, but the form is that of a Middle Eastern or Turkish coffee pot. This is the first time that we have seen a Kashmiri ewer in this form, and to our knowledge no similar example has been published.

The ewer sits on a flat squat base and rises to a domed, hinged lid and a prominent spout. The handle is prominent and well executed, nicely balancing the symmetry of the ewer.

It is chased all over with arabesques known as the ‘shawl pattern’ after the ubiquitous Kashmir wool shawl and these are in-filled with a coriander flower and leaf motif. The spout and the outer surface of the handle are similarly decorated.

The finial comprises a faceted carnelian or agate stone with a natural inclusion. Carnelian stones often are associated with Islamic jewellery and other artifacts, particularly in Turkey, Persia (Iran) and Central Asia. The Prophet Muhammad reputedly wore a ring set with a carnelian stone.

The construction is masterful and robust. The silver quality, like most silver from Kashmir, is high and is probably above 90% purity.

Overall, this is a delightful, unusual piece in excellent condition.

References

Watt, G., Indian Art at Delhi 1903, Being the Official Catalogue of the Delhi Exhibition, 1902-1903, Superintendent of Government Printing, India, 1903.

Provenance

UK art market

Inventory no.: 1219

SOLD

The coriander plant in flower – motifs employed on this ewer are based on the flowers and foliage of this plant.