Tibetan or Himalayan Silver & Copper Tea Pot

This beautiful tea pot has been made either in Tibet of perhaps Himalayan India such as in Ladakh. It is either of silver sheet over copper or silvered copper, or a mixture of the two. The base is of copper sheet. The interior appears to be tinned.

The body has wide band of lotus petals draped down from the top. Finely engraved peony blossoms, foliage and stems against a tooled background is below that. The baluster-form neck is engraved and chased with more peony motifs as well as other foliate borders. The domed lid is similarly decorated and surmounted by a foliate finial.

The spout comprises a makara disgorging the remainder of the spout, and the handle, a similar mythical horned and whiskered beast.

The lid is attached to the body by a chain.

The teapot is in excellent condition and yet with a fine patina. It sits evenly and is without dents, repairs or imperfections. Overall, it has great sculptural presence.