ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN SOLID SILVER SWAMI TEA SET, P. ORR & SONS, MADRAS c.1880
Antique 19th Century Indian Colonial solid silver four-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug and tongs, 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, handles mounted with snake whisperers and finials depicting Shiva on an elephant.
The bases are all stamped P.ORR & SONS, MADRAS
Reference Number: A7295
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century Indian Colonial solid silver four-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug and tongs, 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, handles mounted with snake whisperers 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 is often made by the famous firm P. Orr & Son (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 bases are all stamped P.ORR & SONS, MADRAS, also engraved with inventory numbers, 2034, No52...
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
TEAPOT
Height: 18cm
Width: 20 x 13cm
SUGAR BOWL
Height: 10cm
Width: 13 x 10cm
CREAM JUG
Height: 10cm
Width: 9 x 7cm
TONGS
Height: 13.5cm
Width: 5 x 2cm
Combined Weight: 1260g
