Lot 38 of 60  

SILVER FROM THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT 1858-1947

ARTWORK DETAILS

• 
  
• Karachi Tea Set by J. Manikrai
• Silver
  c.1910
  
  Width: 24 cm (Teapot)
  Total Weight: 855 g
• Because of the nature of the city's development by the British government Karachi has no ancient history. Like the silverware produced in Bombay, the work of Karachi is greatly influenced by Cutch designs. As a result of the exhibition of 'Karachi-Cutch' silverware design the regions silverwork was soon established and known to demonstrate a high standard of craftsmanship.
  
  The Karachi-Cutch style differs from Cutch design as the ornamentation is often separated into panels by unadorned borders while the Cutch style of the intermingling of flowered foliage and animals filled these panels. Often, if depicting a scene of hunting, unlike the Cutch and Bombay counterparts, the Karachi-cutch style would depict the whole scene and not just a single composition.
  
  J. Manikrai & Co. is an example of the firms established by economic refugees in Karachi, after the 1899 Cutch famine. After they settled in cities like Karachi, Cutchi silversmiths began to exhibit works in various Indian exhibitions. J. Manikrai & Co won the 1909 silver medal in one such show in Lahore. As a consequence of this exposure, the trade in 'Karachi- Cutch' silver was soon established. The Karachi-Cutch use of patterning differed from the classical Cutch style. The panels of scrolling foliage and the animals of the chase are set against a background of hills and trees. Unlike Cutchi style, these panels are separated by plain arches. The silverwork by Cutchi silversmiths working in Karachi was often of a very high standard and the carefully presented compositions were worked with skill and patience in slightly deeper relief than that of Cutch work from other regions.
• Category: Jewelry
  Style: Figurative
  

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Height of Figure: 6'