A large documentary late 19^th century Anglo – Indian unmarked silver bowl, Poona circa 1880

Of hemispherical form with fold over rim upon a collet foot. The body with embossed decoration of vignettes with shaped tops infilled with figures of demons, the front of the bowl with Garuda. Each with chased flower sprays in between and trailing flowers below, the upper section with a band of trailing acanthus scrolls and rosettes below a plain edge. The collet foot with a flat chased band of stylised betel leaves. The underside scratched 12/29 and REGT.

Diameter – 27 cm / 10.6 inches

Height – 16.4 cm / 6.5 inches

Weight – 1418 grams / 45.59 ozt

This bowl is illustrated in 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.171 f. 282.

“There are two different types of Poona silverwork, the first was very similar to that of Madras and South India, with representational scenes in high relief divided into sections. This work, usually featured either the Avatara, adventures of Vishnu, or scenes from the Ramayana. The workmanship was invariably of a very high standard, with the figures in higher relief than is found in Madras. The best exponent, who often signed his work was Irappa Buchana.

The second type of Poona silverwork was characterised by a distinctive, bold and fine form of repousse, the chief subjects being in half-relief and the finished product oxidised in order to maximise the dramatic effect of the decoration.” Ibid. p. 169.

This masterful piece is used as the best illustration of the depiction of devils in Wilkinson’s work, a form of decoration also found in Lucknow in northern India, no doubt copied from Poona originals.

Provenance:

W. R. T. Wilkinson circa 2000

Private collection