Tibetan Parcel-Gilt Silver Teapot

This superb silver and silver-gilt teapot is chased and engraved all over with scrolling foliage motifs, elaborate lotus petal borders and various other flower patterns. Both sides of the globular body are decorated with central stylised cloud-shaped cartouches, one decorated with a dragon, and the other with a Garuda with a snake in its beak. Both the dragon and Garuda have been highlighted with gold overlay.

The lid is generously chased with three parcel-gilt flower motifs and surmounted by a prominent flower bud finial. The lid is connected to the handle by means of a silver chain.

The shoulder of the teapot is chased with the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism hidden among copious scrolling foliage.

The elegant handle has been cast as a dragon with a long-scaly back. The spout is in the form of a long-snouted makara.

The flared foot is decorated with serrated lotus petal motifs in high relief.

Overall, this is an exceptionally fine example of nineteenth century Tibetan silver work. The proportions are elegant and the condition is excellent.

The work on the teapot is similar to that on a Tibetan silver ewer that we previously had and which is now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The silver used in the teapot is relatively pure, and the vessel is free of dents of repairs.