Victorian Style Anglo-Indian Kutch Repoussé Silver Tankard
Hollowware (Tankard/Mug) · Attributed to Indian colonial silversmiths, possibly Oomersi Mawji or workshop in the Kutch/Bhuj region. Known for intricate 'Coriander' and floral patterns for the British export market.
Pattern: Kutch Repoussé Floral and Avian (Coriander leaf motif), mid-to-late 19th Century style.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard/Mug)
Maker
Attributed to Indian colonial silversmiths, possibly Oomersi Mawji or workshop in the Kutch/Bhuj region. Known for intricate 'Coriander' and floral patterns for the British export market.
Material
High-grade silver (likely .800 to .950 purity), common for Indian export silver; consistent with solid silver rather than plating based on the depth of the repoussé work.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 4.5-5.5 inches; Estimated weight: 250-350 grams (8-11 troy oz) based on standard tankard size.
Description
A magnificent example of Anglo-Indian silver, this tankard showcases the 'Kutch' style where every millimeter of the surface is encrusted with lifelike birds and swirling vines. The contrast between the dark tarnish in the recessed areas and the bright silver peaks creates a dramatic, three-dimensional visual impact characteristic of Indian masterpiece silver.
Key Features
High-relief repoussé birds; 'Coriander leaf' background texture; distinctive Victorian tankard silhouette; hand-hammered interior texture.
Material & Composition
High-grade silver (likely .800 to .950 purity), common for Indian export silver; consistent with solid silver rather than plating based on the depth of the repoussé work.
Finish & Decoration
Extensive hand-chased and repoussé decoration featuring exotic birds (possibly peacocks or pheasants) amongst dense scrolling foliage and floral sprays. Surface shows natural oxidation (tarnish) with highlights on raised relief.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely unmarked or stamped with a small pictorial mark/initials on the base. Many Kutch pieces were unmarked or carried simple workshop signatures rather than structured British hallmark systems.
Construction Details
Hand-raised cylindrical body from a single sheet; intensive hand-chasing and repoussé work performed from the interior and finished on the exterior; cast scroll handle soldered to the body.
Functional Features
Tapered cylindrical drinking vessel with a slightly flared rim; standard handle for grip; heavy base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid or hollow-cast silver 'S-scroll' or 'C-scroll' handle; reinforced attachment points at the top and bottom of the body.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-wrought quality; the skill required to push the silver out to such depths without piercing the metal (repoussé) indicates a master-level silversmith.
Authentication Indicators
The style of the foliage and the specific rendering of the birds are unique to Gujarat workshops. Softness of the detail suggests authentic hand-tooling rather than modern casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Bhuj or Kutch region, Gujarat, India. Manufactured by local master craftsmen utilizing traditional 'chitra' (chasing) techniques for Western consumers.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/British Raj Period (circa 1880-1910). This period saw a high demand for Indian motifs integrated into European forms like the beer tankard.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910. The density of the floral pattern and the handle style are quintessential of the late 19th-century export market.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of Indian craftsmanship with British Victorian social customs (the ale tankard), symbolizing the 'Princely State' luxury of the Raj era.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface tarnish (patina) which protects the metal but obscures detail; minor rim distortions; handle joins appear stable. No visible major dents or holes in the thin repoussé areas.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $500 to $1,200 depending on weight and confirmation of maker's marks. Signed Oomersi Mawji pieces can exceed $3,000.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cotton cloth and high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid silver 'dips' which can strip the desirable antiqued contrast from the deep recesses. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Burmese 'Jungle' style silver (higher relief, different deities), Madras 'Swami' silver (religious iconography), or Victorian English aesthetic movement silver (flatter engraving).
Interesting Facts
Kutch silver attained international fame after being exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London. Oomersi Mawji, the most famous maker of this style, became a Royal Silversmith to the Gaekwad of Baroda.