Page 73 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art September 2013

96
A parcel-gilt silver container in the form of a goose
Mughal, circa 1790
The charming container with patterned feathers in the round and gilded
beak and feet.
2 3/4 in. (6.9 cm) long
$1,500 - 2,500

Provenance:
Private British Collection

97
A silver and copper brazier with elephant handle
Bombay, circa 1920-30
With a finely textured ergonomic silver elephant handle attached to the
copper hearth with silver bird-shaped feet, openwork foliate cartouches,
and band depicting exotic animals in a landscape on the mouth rim, and
a copper liner.
11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm) long
$4,000 - 6,000

This brazier for lighting cigars represents the quintessence of the Bombay
style with its narrow chased bands of running animals and elephant’s
head handle. As a trading hub, Bombay attracted a confluence of
silversmiths as far as Thailand. Cosmopolitan in its inception, Bombay
did not develop its own a discernible style until the second quarter of
the twentieth century, by which time the quality of workmanship from
other centers was already in decline. For further discussion, see Wilkinson,
Indian Silver: 1858-1947, London, 1999, p. 21-7.

Published:
Wilkinson, Indian Silver: 1858-1947, London, 1999, no. 26, p. 25

98
A parcel-gilt silver finial in the shape of a woman
Gujurat or Rajasthan, 18th century
Minutely delineated, the fixture, possibly for a hookah pipe, with hollow
tubular base below her pleated skirt and parting sashes of floral motifs,
wearing abundant jewelry including various rings and turban pins.
3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm) high
$3,000 - 5,000

The type of turban can be connected to the style favored in the court in 98
Udaipur at the beginning of in the second quarter of the 19th century
under Maharaja Jawan Singh (r. 1828-1838).

99
Jewelry box
Kerala, early 20th century

Wood, lacquer and brass; the interior fitted with a small covered tray.
9 1/2 x 15 in. (24.1 x 28.1 cm)
$500 - 800

These large ornamental boxes were used by the bridegroom to transport
his gift of jewelry to the bride at their wedding. The distinctive shape is
derived from the houses of Kerala on the Malabar coast.

Provenance:
Private Collection, Los Angeles

99

Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art | 71