ANTIQUE 19THC RARE INDIAN SOLID SILVER SWAMI TEA SET, P ORR & SONS, MADRAS C1880
19th Century Indian Colonial Silver repousse three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug, each body is beautifully chased and repousse' decorated depicting Hindu gods and goddesses in a landscape, handles and the teapot's spout are modelled like elephant's heads, figural jug's spout.
Hallmarked with P. Orr & Sons marks, acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard, it dates to 1870-80.
Reference Number: A3050
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century rare Indian Colonial Solid Silver repousse three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug, each body is beautifully chased and repousse' decorated depicting Hindu gods and goddesses in a landscape, handles and the teapot's spout are modelled like elephant's heads, figural jug's spout.
The chasing features an unusually heavy gauge and high-quality compared to the one generally found on swami silver from Madras.
Indian silver depicting deities and religious processions is inspired by the bas-reliefs on the famous temples in southern India and is called "Swami" (see Wilkinson). This style is typically from Madras.
Each base is marked with the hallmarks of the famous firm P. Orr & Sons (the most important silversmithing 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 such as in this set. P Orr & Sons also produced impressive silver pieces in the Victorian style.
As often the case for Indian silver the set is unmarked, but acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard, it dates to 1870-80.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - no damage, just general wear.
TEAPOT
Height: 11.4cm
Width: 20.3 x 11cm
SUGAR BOWL
Height: 8cm
Width: 15.7 x 10cm
CREAM JUG
Height: 9.3cm
Width: 10.3 x 6.3cm
TOTAL WEIGHT: 810g
