Antique Indian Karachi-cutch Solid Silver Tea Set from J. Manikrai, 1900s, Set of 3

Antique early-20th Century exceptional Indian Karachi-Cutch solid silver repousse tea set, comprising of a teapot, lidded sugar bowl and lidded cream jug, each piece is profusely and beautifully repousse' decorated with scrolling foliage, beaded borders and the body chased with various hunting scenes on a tooled matted ground, snake shaped handles, bird head spouts and the lid surmounted with bulb finials. Each piece is very heavy and finally crafted, made by one of the most prominent Karachi-Cutch silversmiths. All pieces hallmarked J. Manikrai, (silversmith formerly of Cutch, later of Karachi, Pakistan), T95 (900+ high grade silver), engraved initials R.V.P.

Because of the nature of the city's development by the British government Karachi has no ancient history. Like the silverware produced in Bombay, the work of Karachi is greatly influenced by Cutch designs. As a result of the exhibition of 'Karachi-Cutch' silverware design the regions silverwork was soon established and known to demonstrate a high standard of craftsmanship.

The Karachi-Cutch style differs from Cutch design as the ornamentation is often separated into panels by unadorned borders while the Cutch style of the intermingling of flowered foliage and animals filled these panels. Often, if depicting a scene of hunting, unlike the Cutch and Bombay counterparts, the Karachi-Cutch style would depict the whole scene and not just a single composition.

TEAPOT
Height: 17cm
Width: 26 x 15cm
Weight: 630g

SUGAR BOWL
Height: 16cm
Width: 16 x 12cm
Weight: 460g

CREAM JUG
Height: 13cm
Width: 12 x 9cm
Weight: 295g