ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN POONA SOLID SILVER DECORATIVE BOWL c.1880
19th Century Indian silver bowl, of traditional shape and impressive size, highly-decorative, embossed with various scenes from Ramayana (ancient Indian epic poem which depicts the struggles of the divine prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana). The top and base of the bowl decorated with bands of scrolling floral foliage and plain boarders. The bowls distinctive design is typical to the region of Poona, located 120 miles south-east of Bombay, Occupied by the British since the 1802, it was the perfect military base, being 2000ft above sea level, making the unbearably hot Indian summers more bearable. Poona style closely resembles the silver commonly made in Madras and Burma, distinguished by having large figures in high relief commonly depicting the Avatara, adventures of Vishnu or scenes from the Ramayana.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A4586
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century Indian solid silver bowl, of traditional shape and impressive size, highly-decorative, embossed with various scenes from Ramayana (ancient Indian epic poem which depicts the struggles of the divine prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana). The top and base of the bowl decorated with bands of scrolling floral foliage and plain boarders. The bowls distinctive design is typical to the region of Poona, located 120 miles south-east of Bombay, Occupied by the British since the 1802, it was the perfect military base, being 2000ft above sea level, making the unbearably hot Indian summers more bearable. Poona style closely resembles the silver commonly made in Madras and Burma, distinguished by having large figures in high relief commonly depicting the Avatara, adventures of Vishnu or scenes from the Ramayana. Poona is often confused with Burmese silver, but elements such as wide bands of Kutch like chasing along the top and bottom boarders as well as the plain bands is a sure indication.
Not hallmarked, but tested silver (shows a 900+ silver standard). The base bears a workshop mark depicting stylized leaves, the two best known silversmiths active in Poona were Hitapa Buchana and M.K Godbole who are known to have exhibited there work from the 1900's. Judging by the quality of this bowl it is undoubtedly made by a great silversmith.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 17.5cm
Width: 27cm
Weight: 1300g
