Enquiry about object: 2927
Indian Kutch Ceremonial Silver Trowel
Kutch, India dated 1877
length: 29.5cm, weight: 287g
Provenance
private collection, UK.
This very fine colonial Indian silver ceremonial trowel is chased finely with Kutch-style floral motifs. The handle is most striking and unusual. It is decorated with thick, tightly wound silver wire over its entirety.
The trowel is engraved with the following:
‘Presented to A.A. Borradaile, Esq, who kindly laid the foundation stone of the Gujrat S&W Mill, 11 May 1877.’
The trowel is in excellent condition. Used originally for the ceremonial laying of a foundation stone, today it makes an excellent collector’s piece or an elegant cake server.
References
Dehejia, V., Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj, Mapin, 2008.