ANTIQUE 20thC INDIAN KARACHI-CUTCH SOLID SILVER LIDDED BOWL, J MANIKRAI c.1900

DESCRIPTION

Antique early-20th Century Indian Karachi-Cutch solid silver repousse lidded bowl on stand, each piece is profusely and beautifully repousse' decorated with scrolling foliage and flowers on a fine tooled matted ground, the lid mounted with a cast model of two seated deers, the bowl supported by three cast elephants on an unusually shaped base. Each piece is very detailed and finely crafted, made by one of the most prominent Karachi-Cutch silversmiths, although the silver is unmarked, but judging by the style and quality is undoubtedly made by J. Manikrai & Co (silversmith formerly of Cutch, later of Karachi, Pakistan), tested (900+ high grade silver)

J. Manikrai & Co is the perfect example of the firms established by economic refugees in Karachi, after the 1899 Cutch famine. After they settled in cities like Karachi, Cutch silversmiths began to exhibit works in various Indian exhibitions. J. Manikrai & Co won the 1909 silver medal in one such show in Lahore. As a consequence of this exposure, the trade in 'Karachi- Cutch' silver was soon established. The Karachi-Cutch use of patterning differed from the classical Cutch style. The panels of scrolling foliage and the animals of the chase are set against a background of hills and trees. Unlike Cutch style, these panels are separated by plain arches. The silverwork by Cutch silversmiths working in Karachi was often of a very high standard and the carefully presented compositions were worked with skill and patience in slightly deeper relief than that of Cutch work from other regions.

Because of the nature of the city's development by the British government Karachi has no ancient history. Like the silverware produced in Bombay, the work of Karachi is greatly influenced by Cutch designs. As a result of the exhibition of 'Karachi-Cutch' silverware design the regions silverwork was soon established and known to demonstrate a high standard of craftsmanship.

The Karachi-Cutch style differs from Cutch design as the ornamentation is often separated into panels by unadorned borders while the Cutch style of the intermingling of flowered foliage and animals filled these panels. Often, if depicting a scene of hunting, unlike the Cutch and Bombay counterparts, the Karachi-Cutch style would depict the whole scene and not just a single composition.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 21cm
Width: 16cm
Weight: 1165g