ANTIQUE 19THC RARE INDIAN SOLID SILVER MASSIVE TREASURE CHEST / CASKET C.1880
19th Century rare Indian Silver treasure chest / casket, massive size, of rectangular form with hinged lid, foliate lock and hinged handles, profusely repousse' decorated with scrolling foliage on a matted ground, the lid featuring a medallion with a lion eating an antelope surrounded by floral vines with birds and peacocks, within a band of scrolling vines, similar design featuring birds and peacocks surrounded by scrolling foliage around sides, the interior is lined with red velvet. The lion (or tiger) slaughtering the antelope (or gazelle) is clearly a symbol or amorial, the animal's body is further engraved with a stylized star - probably the owner's or artist's signature.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A3005
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century rare Indian Solid Silver treasure chest / casket, massive size, of rectangular form with hinged lid, foliate lock and hinged handles, profusely repousse' decorated with scrolling foliage on a matted ground, the lid featuring a medallion with a lion eating an antelope surrounded by floral vines with birds and peacocks, within a band of scrolling vines, similar design featuring birds and peacocks surrounded by scrolling foliage around sides, the interior is lined with red velvet.
The exceptionally large and impressive chest features a stunning quality, the design is inspired by the Islamic Mughal period decoration and suggests that the casket was probably made in Northern India. Grape laden vines similar in design to those appearing here were a typical feature of Mughal architectural design, although the most important influence in this type of decoration derives from the tradition in Mughal paintings and textiles.
The lion (or tiger) slaughtering the antelope (or gazelle) is clearly a symbol or amorial, the animal's body is further engraved with a stylized star - probably the owner's or artist's signature.
The casket dates to the second half of the 19th Century, probably to the region of North India.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No damage, just general wear.
SIZE
Hight: 21cm
Width: 47 x 32.5cm
Weight: 10080g
