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

DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Indian Colonial solid silver three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, & cream jug, each straight tapered 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, depicting the story of Vishnu's decent to earth as Jagganath. The realistically modelled cobra shaped handles mounted with deities and teapots finial depicting a seated Shiva.

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 often made by the famous firm P Orr & Sons, widely considered as 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, can be seen in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. The tea set is unmarked, but is undoubtedly made by P.Orr & Sons (see page 157, Wilkinson, Indian silver 1858-1947)

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

TEAPOT
Height: 16cm
Width: 25 x 15cm
Weight: 730g

SUGAR BOWL
Height: 11cm
Width: 20 x 13cm
Weight: 465g

CREAM JUG
Height: 14cm
Width: 15 x 8cm
Weight: 330g