ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN SOLID SILVER SWAMI TEA SET, P. ORR MANNER, 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 panels of Shiva in various posses, inspiration was often taken from the Meenakshi Amman temple in southern India, worked scroll handles and finials depicting Shiva on an elephant.

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, 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 guilty the set strongly suggests it may have been made by P. Orr & Sons.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

TEAPOT
Height: 18cm
Width: 21 x 12cm

SUGAR BOWL
Height: 8cm
Width: 13 x 9cm

CREAM JUG
Height: 8cm
Width: 9 x 7cm

Combined Weight: 800g