A late 19^th century Anglo – Indian silver mounted rosewood inkstand or standish, Cutch, Bhuj circa 1890 by Mawji Raghavji

Raj period. Of rectangular form raised upon four spherical feet, the front two of gilt metal with chased leaf mount, the back two of wood. The stand with chased and pierced silver mounted of foliate scrolls, the central sections to front and back with a vacant heart shaped cartouche, the terrace section edge with stylised acanthus leaves. Fitted with two sprung release square form inkwells with silver mounts, hinged domed caps with chased decoration of rosettes interspersed with foliate scrolls, one inkwell with a removable clear glass liner. The terrace with two detachable models of stags, realistically modelled with chased hide, one recumbent the other statant. Pen rest stand deficient. An applied plaque to the front engraved with a presentation inscription reading “with best compliments from H.H. the Maharana of Rajpipla”. The front with an applied rectangle stamped M.R over BHUJ.

Length –23.8 cm / 9.4 inches

Maharana Shri Gambhirsinhji Varisalji (1847-1897) began his reign in 1860 as the 34^th Gohil ruler of Rajpipla. During his reign the road from Rajpipla to Ankleshwar was built, and Rajpipla State had its own postal system from 1880.