Indian Colonial or Persian Style Repoussé Silver Nut Bowl
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Nut Bowl/Bonbon Dish) · Unknown provincial silversmith; characteristic of Indian (Kutch), Burmese, or Persian workshops of the late 19th to early 20th century. Such pieces were often produced by highly skilled independent craftsmen in regional centers like Bhuj or Shiraz.
Pattern: Foliate and Geometric Repoussé; featuring scrolling vines, floral motifs, and diaper-pattern borders common in Indo-Persian silver traditions.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Nut Bowl/Bonbon Dish)
Maker
Unknown provincial silversmith; characteristic of Indian (Kutch), Burmese, or Persian workshops of the late 19th to early 20th century. Such pieces were often produced by highly skilled independent craftsmen in regional centers like Bhuj or Shiraz.
Material
Likely high-grade silver (ranging from .800 to .950 purity). Many such pieces utilized melted-down coinage. The material appears solid rather than plated, showing characteristic soft luster of coin or sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm). Estimated weight roughly 100 to 180 grams. The shallow form suggests it is an individual serving or small confectionery bowl.
Description
A fine example of hand-wrought silver hollowware, this bowl showcases the dense, rhythmic ornamentation of Eastern silversmithing. The body is entirely covered in a meticulously chased garden of scrolling vines and blossoms, terminating in a playful scalloped rim. The interplay of light and shadow across the deeply textured surface gives the piece a jewel-like quality, typical of high-quality colonial-era silver.
Key Features
Deep repoussé work, 'pie-crust' scalloped edge, stippled background for depth, and seamless hand-raised construction with zero visible solder joints on the main body.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade silver (ranging from .800 to .950 purity). Many such pieces utilized melted-down coinage. The material appears solid rather than plated, showing characteristic soft luster of coin or sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing. The surface features a scalloped 'pie-crust' rim, textured stippling (matting) in the background to provide contrast, and ornate scrolling floral bands. The style is heavily influenced by Islamic and Indian decorative arts.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible marks in the provided image. These pieces are frequently unmarked or bear a single small maker's punch or a purity number (e.g., '90') on the underside. Absence of hallmarks is common in 19th-century regional Asian silver.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat circular sheet of silver. The decoration was achieved through 'repoussé' (pushing the metal out from the inside) and 'chasing' (detailing from the outside). The scalloped rim is hand-trimmed and finished.
Functional Features
Features a stable, flat-bottomed base and wide flared sides for ease of access to contents. The deep relief provides a natural grip for handling.
Handle & Grip Details
No separate handles; the textured, repoussé-decorated exterior surface serves as a functional grip, preventing fingerprints from showing on the polished silver.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent hand-chasing. The consistency of the repeating pattern around the perimeter indicates a master craftsman. The thinness of the walls confirms it was raised by hand rather than cast, requiring significant skill to avoid piercing the metal during the repoussé process.
Authentication Indicators
The irregularity of the repoussé motifs indicates hand-work rather than machine stamping. Softening of details at high points suggests authentic age and wear. The base lacks the perfectly flat, sterile finish of modern mass-produced replicas.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely India (Kutch region) or Iran (Persia). These regions were famous for dense, all-over floral decoration. The specific geometry of the border suggests an Indian workshop influence.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early 20th Century (circa 1880–1930). This reflects the 'Anglo-Indian' style or the 'Persian Revival' period where such items were popular as export goods and souvenirs for Western travelers.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1920. The level of detail and the specific stippling technique are hallmarks of workshops active during the peak of the British Raj or Late Qajar period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of local artisan traditions with Western forms (like the nut bowl or candy dish), produced for both the local elite and the growing international export market of the late 19th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The item shows a natural layer of tarnish in the deep recesses (which is desirable to highlight the pattern). No obvious cracks or major dents. The rim appears symmetrical, which suggests careful previous ownership.
Value Estimate
$150 – $350 USD depending on the confirmed silver weight and the presence of any maker's marks on the bottom. Highly ornate examples with documented provenance can exceed this range.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and mild soapy water to remove dust from crevices. If polishing, use a high-quality cream like Wright's and avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the desirable antiqued patina from the recessed areas.
Similar Pieces
Kutch Silver Bowls (denser floral work), Persian Shiraz Silver (often includes bird motifs), or Burmese Silver Bowls (usually feature mythological figures in high relief).
Interesting Facts
Pieces like this were often sold in 'Curio' shops in Bombay or Calcutta. The Kutch style of silver was so highly regarded that it was exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, sparking a Victorian craze for Indian silver.