A late 19th century / early 20th century Anglo – Indian Raj unmarked silver bowl, Lucknow circa 1900 by an Elephant and Flower maker

Of circular form, the body with embossed decoration of individual dancing demonic figures, many with animal faces consuming or holding snakes. A flowering vase between each figure with shaped architraves above them and with a bird between these, all this in between typical Lucknow curved fish borders. Chased underneath with a makers sigil of a running elephant within a circular floral spray.

Diameter – 22 cm / 8.6 inches

Weight – 827 grams / 26.59 ozt

For further examples of Lucknow fish borders illustrated on pieces see Wilkinson, W., (1999)., Indian Silver 1858-1947: Decorative Silver from the Indian Sub-Continent and Burma Made by Local Craftsmen in Western Forms. London, Wynyard R T Wilkinson, P. 130-132 This form of demonic decoration is also found in silver from Poona, a bowl with such decoration circa 1880 is illustrated in ibid, p. 171. A Lucknow octagonal teapot with a fish border and dancing avatar figures is known (private collection) A bowl with similar dancing demonic figures, some also wielding snakes is also known (private collection, previously with Michael Blackman Ltd)