Indian Kutch High Grade Silver Ceremonial Vessel Kalasha

Late 19th century, Bhuj, Kutch State, Gujarat, India.

Fantastic pure silver kalasha. Kutch silver is a regional style of Indian silver which was made in the Western Kutch Region in the India. Its most recognizable feature is its scrolling foliate patterns and closely worked foliate, répoussé and chased design. The preliminary répoussé pattern was punched from back, after which the piece was filled with a black wax and resin compound, then worked from the outside, by hammering it into the resin. When the work was complete, the piece was heated until the resin mixture filling melted out, leaving the now-empty piece stunningly decorated. 

The kalasha (also kalash or kalasa) is a metal pot with a large base and small mouth. Its viewed as an auspicious object in Jainism, and used as a ceremonial object as well as a decorative motif in Indian art and architecture. Kalasha also refers to such a pot filled with water and topped with a coronet of mango leaves and a coconut. This delicate combination (Purna-Kalasha, Purna-Kumbha or Purna-ghata) is often used in Hindu  rites and depicted in Hindu iconography. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life.

Meticulously decorated pure silver kalasha dates around 1850 to 1890. Traditional fluted design and wide neck with flat rim. Ornamented with the interlacing foliate coriander design and geometrical pattern for which silver from Kutch is known. The vessel is unmarked, this lack of marks is usual for Kutch silver of this period. Moderate condition. Age-related heavy wear, dents and dints. Repaired. Size approx. 9,8cm x 9,3cm x 9,3cm. 

NB! Kalasha of fine silver (actual silver content of 99.9%). Tested on May 18, 2022.

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj, V. Dehejia, Mapin, 2008.

Indian Silver during the Raj, Harish K. Patel with Veronica J. McDavid, New York, United States. (http://silverfromindia1850-1920.blogspot.com/p/indian-silver-from-kutch-gujarat.html)

Recognising Kutch Silver, On The Blog, Joseph Cohen Antiques.