Indian Colonial Style Repoussé Silver Platter
Hollowware - Oval Platter · Likely an Indian silversmith (e.g., Hamilton & Co. or similar workshop in Calcutta/Madras), though the absence of clear marks suggests a smaller regional workshop specialized in Anglo-Indian export wares.
Pattern: Traditional Indian Repoussé featuring C-scrolls, stylized floral motifs, and diapered (hatched) backgrounds.
Type
Hollowware - Oval Platter
Maker
Likely an Indian silversmith (e.g., Hamilton & Co. or similar workshop in Calcutta/Madras), though the absence of clear marks suggests a smaller regional workshop specialized in Anglo-Indian export wares.
Material
Likely high-grade silver, estimated .800 to .925 purity. Typical of regional silversmithing where pure leaf or ingot silver was used, resulting in a soft, bright luster.
Dimensions
Estimated 14-18 inches in length; weight likely ranges between 800 - 1200 grams based on the visible thickness of the gauge.
Description
This impressive oval platter exhibits the rich tactile quality of Indian repoussé silver. The central well is polished to a high shine, showing slight planishing marks that testify to its hand-wrought nature. The border is a tour de force of traditional metalworking, featuring undulating scrolls that form a rhythmic frame around stylized fruit and floral bouquets. The contrasting textures between the smooth center and the deeply pebbled background of the rim create a dynamic visual movement characteristic of fine Anglo-Indian silver service.
Key Features
Deeply hammered high-relief border; diapered background texture between scrolls; handmade asymmetrical floral clusters; slightly irregular edge typical of manual Raising.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade silver, estimated .800 to .925 purity. Typical of regional silversmithing where pure leaf or ingot silver was used, resulting in a soft, bright luster.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing techniques. Features a mirror-polished well (center) contrasting with a heavily decorated border of C-scrolls, grapes/foliage, and a hand-punched diapered background for texture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are visible in the top profile; hallmarks on such pieces are often found on the underside rim or center, frequently consisting of pseudo-British marks or a simple purity stamp like 'SILVER' or 'S.925'.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of silver with decoration achieved through hammering from the reverse (repoussé) and finished from the front (chasing). Evidence of hand-tooling is visible in the texture of the well.
Functional Features
Wide decorative rim designed for easy transport of service items; deep well for holding meats or shared dishes; scalloped outer edge for grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated rim handle design formed by the wide, scrolled border. The heavy embossing provides a natural non-slip surface for carrying.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-chasing. The depth of the relief work indicates a thick gauge of silver was used, allowing the smith to push the metal significantly without tearing.
Authentication Indicators
Hand-tooling marks (planishing) in the well; characteristic depth of the repoussé which is difficult to replicate with modern casting; heavy oxidation in recesses suggesting age; lack of mechanical perfection in the scroll repetition.
Origin & Manufacturing
Originating from India, possibly Cutch (Kutch) or Calcutta workshop traditions where highly ornate floral repoussé was a specialty for the colonial market.
Era & Period
Late 19th to early 20th Century (Victorian/Edwardian influence). It blends European Rococo Revival shapes with Indian craftsmanship styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1920, based on the specific style of the floral chasing and the mixture of Neoclassical and Rococo motifs common in export silver of that time.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of British colonial social dining requirements and the centuries-old traditional silversmithing skills of Indian artisans (karigars).
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is visible surface tarnish and light scratching consistent with use. Some 'fire scale' or dark oxidation is visible in the deep recesses of the border which highlights the detail. No major dents or thinning visible.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD, depending on confirmed weight and identification of a specific workshop mark.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cotton cloth using a high-quality paste like Wright's. Avoid silver dips which can strip the desirable 'patina' or oxidation from the recessed details of the repoussé.
Similar Pieces
Kutch Silver trays (usually more densely covered in floral patterns); Burmese Silver salvers (usually featuring high-relief figures/deities); Sterling English trays by Elkington (usually flatter and more precisely symmetrical).
Interesting Facts
Indian silversmiths during the Raj often copied English Victorian catalog designs but infused them with local motifs, creating a unique hybrid style highly sought after by modern collectors of 'Export Silver'.