Important Notice

Silver
196 grams
8.5 in (21.6 cm) high

With a domed flower-shaped perforated head surmounted by a solid-cast finial embelished with three equidistantly placed flowers - an unusual feature, a baulster-form neck atop a flattened spherical pumpkin-shaped body resting on a domed ring foot. The body, neck, and foot are decorated with foliate patterns in high relief. See Dehejia (2008, p. 147) for a related example

Of all the silverware produced on the Indian subcontinent in the 18th and 19th centuries, Kutch silver was, and still remains, the most valued and sought-after. The defining allure of Kutch silver lies in its decorative style. The endless foliate scrolling, elaborate hunting scenes, realistic human figures, and intricate detailing on the smallest parts, set Kutch silver several notches above that produced in other regions of India.

Kutch lies in north-western India, and has a centuries-old tradition of silversmithing. Kutch silver is manufactures by an elaborate technique which includes repeated heating and cooling of the silver form so that it can be hammered, filed and punched to produce great detail and high relief.

Artisans in the Bhuj region of Kutch enjoyed patronage from a lineage of rulers, including the Maharaos and the Gaekwads. They played a critical critical role in helping Kutch silversmiths gain international recognition by ensuring that they regularly attended regional and international silver exhibitions to display and popularize their creations. Two silversmiths in particular, benefited the most from royal patronage. Oomersi Mawji was perhaps the most accomplished and celebrated 19th century silversmith of the Indian subcontinent, who went on to establish the eponymously named firm of Oomersi Mawji & Sons in Bhuj. Kutch silver is almost synonymous with him, but Raghavji Mawji, a contemporary of Oomersi, also produced astounding pieces of silverware with meticulous attention to detail. Their work has set the bar for the sterling reputation which Kutch silver now enjoys among collectors.

Silver
196 grams
8.5 in (21.6 cm) high

With a domed flower-shaped perforated head surmounted by a solid-cast finial embelished with three equidistantly placed flowers - an unusual feature, a baulster-form neck atop a flattened spherical pumpkin-shaped body resting on a domed ring foot. The body, neck, and foot are decorated with foliate patterns in high relief. See Dehejia (2008, p. 147) for a related example

Of all the silverware produced on the Indian subcontinent in the 18th and 19th centuries, Kutch silver was, and still remains, the most valued and sought-after. The defining allure of Kutch silver lies in its decorative style. The endless foliate scrolling, elaborate hunting scenes, realistic human figures, and intricate detailing on the smallest parts, set Kutch silver several notches above that produced in other regions of India.

Kutch lies in north-western India, and has a centuries-old tradition of silversmithing. Kutch silver is manufactures by an elaborate technique which includes repeated heating and cooling of the silver form so that it can be hammered, filed and punched to produce great detail and high relief.

Artisans in the Bhuj region of Kutch enjoyed patronage from a lineage of rulers, including the Maharaos and the Gaekwads. They played a critical critical role in helping Kutch silversmiths gain international recognition by ensuring that they regularly attended regional and international silver exhibitions to display and popularize their creations. Two silversmiths in particular, benefited the most from royal patronage. Oomersi Mawji was perhaps the most accomplished and celebrated 19th century silversmith of the Indian subcontinent, who went on to establish the eponymously named firm of Oomersi Mawji & Sons in Bhuj. Kutch silver is almost synonymous with him, but Raghavji Mawji, a contemporary of Oomersi, also produced astounding pieces of silverware with meticulous attention to detail. Their work has set the bar for the sterling reputation which Kutch silver now enjoys among collectors.