ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN MONUMENTAL SOLID SILVER CUP & COVER, P. ORR, MADRAS c.1880
19th Century Indian silver cup & cover, body is profusely and beautifully repousse' decorated with a religious processions with men carrying idols, a typical scenes from the Meenakshi Amman temple in southern India, handles mounted with mythical dragons and finial depicting Krishna playing a flute.
Unmarked, but acid test shows a 900+ silver standard, dates to 1880's, in style and quality strongly suggests it was probably made by P. Orr & Sons.
Reference Number: A5553
DESCRIPTION
Antique late-19th Century Indian monumental solid silver cup & cover, body is profusely and beautifully repousse' decorated with a religious processions with men carrying idols, a typical scenes from the Meenakshi Amman temple in southern India, handles mounted with mythical dragons and finial depicting Krishna playing a flute.
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 it closely reminds the 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).
As often the case for Indian silver the set is unmarked, but acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard, it dates to 1880's, in style and quality strongly suggests it was probably made by P. Orr & Sons.
CONDITION
In Excellent Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 66cm
Width: 46 x 23cm
Weight: 4395g