ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN 4 PIECE SOLID SILVER SWAMI TEA SET, P. ORR, MADRAS c.1880

DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Indian Colonial P.Orr & Sons Solid Silver four-piece tea set, comprising of a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug, each straight tapered body modelled as bamboo and is beautifully decorated with a religious central band of round pannels dipicting various Swami religious scenes, inspired from the Meenakshi Amman temple in southern India, handles modelled as bamboo and finials modelled as elephants.

Indian silver depicting deities and religious processions is inspired by the bas-reliefs on the famous temples in southern India and the style is called "Swami" (see Wilkinson). This style is typically from Madras and is the signature work of the famous firm P. Orr & Sons (the most important silversmith firm in Colonial South India, reputed to be the largest and best appointed establishment of the kind in India.

The firm was founded in 1848 by Peter Orr, a watchmaker originally from Edinburgh. It became famous as P. Orr & Sons in 1863. Maharaja Gaekwar of Baroda, Maharaja Holkar and Maharaja of Cohin commissioned impressive silver pieces presented to the Prince of Wales during his visit to India (1875-76). The firm is particularly known for its "swami silver", depicting Hindu deities. P Orr & Sons also produced impressive silver pieces in the Victorian style, please follow this link to Victoria & Albert Museum in London). Hallmarked Indian Silver (900+ standard), Madras, P.Orr & Sons, it dates to 1880's.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - no damage, just general wear.

COFFEE POT

Height: 24cm
Width: 22 x 10.5cm

TEA POT

Height: 18cm
Width: 20 x 10.5cm

SUGAR BOWL

Height: 11cm
Width: 16 x 9cm

CREAM JUG

Height: 11cm
Width: 12 x 10cm

TOTAL WEIGHT: 2330g