Antique Kashmiri Cup and Saucer – Anglo-Indian, Silver-Plated, c. 1900

Description

Antique Kashmiri Cup and Saucer, Anglo-Indian, c. 1900

This antique Kashmiri / Anglo-Indian cup and saucer is a richly decorated metal set displaying the dense floral ornament associated with Kashmir metalwork of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Both pieces are almost completely covered with finely worked vegetal decoration, including scrolling floral arabesques, stylised leaves, rosettes and chinar-inspired motifs.

Based on its form, decoration and comparison with period examples, the set is most appropriately dated to circa 1900, with a working date range of approximately 1890–1915.

Kashmiri and Anglo-Indian Decorative Tradition

The decorative language of the set is closely associated with Kashmiri metalwork produced during the British Raj, when craftsmen in Northern India created highly ornamented cups, saucers, teapots and other decorative objects for both local and international markets.

These objects often combined Indian craftsmanship with strong Persian and Islamic decorative influences, using dense arabesques, stylised foliage and repeating floral patterns across almost the entire metal surface.

The attribution should therefore be understood as Kashmiri / Anglo-Indian, probably Northern India or Kashmir, rather than as a documented maker attribution.

Floral Arabesques and Chinar-Inspired Motifs

The cup and saucer are covered with elaborate floral and vegetal ornament.

Large stylised leaves resembling the characteristic Kashmiri chinar leaf appear among smaller flowers, scrolling foliage, rosettes and arabesque designs.

The dense surface treatment, with very little undecorated metal remaining visible, is one of the most distinctive features of the set and gives it a rich, highly decorative appearance.

Zoomorphic Serpent-Form Handle

One of the most distinctive details is the cup’s zoomorphic serpent-form handle.

Serpent and animal-inspired handles are known on Kashmiri and Anglo-Indian metalwork from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On this example, the unusual handle works together with the dense floral decoration to create a particularly expressive silhouette.

Silver-Plated Metal Construction

The two pieces are made from different metal compositions with substantial silver-plated surfaces.

Acid testing indicates that the cup is made from a low-grade silver alloy with heavy silver plating, while the saucer appears to be a copper alloy with substantial silver plating.

These observations are based on practical acid testing and should not be interpreted as a laboratory assay or precise metallurgical analysis.

Provenance

The set was acquired from a Berber antique dealer in Morocco in 2010.

This purchase history forms part of the known provenance of the object, although Morocco should not be interpreted as its place of manufacture.

The stylistic characteristics are more consistent with Kashmiri / Anglo-Indian metalwork, probably Northern India or Kashmir, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Details

• Object: cup and saucer
• Style / Attribution: Kashmiri / Anglo-Indian
• Probable Region: Northern India / Kashmir
• Period: late 19th to early 20th century
• Date: circa 1900, approximately 1890–1915
• Cup Material: low-grade silver alloy with silver plating
• Saucer Material: copper alloy with silver plating
• Decoration: floral arabesques, stylised foliage and chinar-inspired motifs
• Handle: zoomorphic / serpent-form
• Cup Weight: approximately 133 g / 0.29 lb
• Saucer Weight: approximately 115 g / 0.25 lb
• Combined Weight: approximately 248 g / 0.55 lb
• Acquired: Morocco, 2010

Condition

The set retains an attractive natural patina and age-related wear consistent with an antique metal object.

There is visible variation in the tone of the metal, local wear to the silver-plated surface and other signs of age and handling. These characteristics contribute to the historic appearance of the set.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the decoration, handle, undersides and areas of surface wear, as they form an important part of the description and show the actual condition of the pieces.

Decorative and Collectible Appeal

This antique Kashmiri cup and saucer would appeal to collectors of Anglo-Indian decorative arts, Kashmir metalwork, Oriental silver-plated objects and decorative pieces associated with the British Raj period.

The combination of dense hand-worked floral decoration, chinar-inspired motifs, a distinctive zoomorphic handle, natural patina and circa-1900 styling gives the set considerable visual and historical interest.

It can be displayed as a collectible object in a cabinet, study or library, as well as within a collection of Anglo-Indian, Islamic-influenced or historic metalwork.