Indian Sterling Silver "55 Figure" & Elephant Tea Tray

This is a beautifully designed and masterfully hand wrought late 19th century Indian sterling silver "fifty-five figures in procession" and twin elephant handled presentation tea tray.

A superb, museum worthy example of Bangalore silver (Wilkinson page 165).

Bangalore is home to some of the finest silver in India (See Wilkinson page 165). Their silversmiths contributed two distinctive features to 19th century Indian silver. One, the use of a harsh acid to produce a matte-silk or satinised finished. We will be shortly listing an Indian tea tray which illustrates this technique.

Second, the Bangalore greatly expanded the use of figural spout and handles. Mostly making use of elephant forms.

This stunning Bangalore presentation tea tray represents a fine example of their use of elephant head and spout ornamentation.

The tray in classic rectangular form. Elegant beaded edge.

The wide shelf border adorned with over "fifty five" brilliantly carved figures and their beasts. In long procession, dance and prayer.

A miniature elephant sits atop pedestal. Two attendants hold wide "shade" umbrellas overhead, as several others look on.

A frolicking group of daners and musicians enjoy the day, amidst lush tree and foliage.

A rider atop oxen, figures holding banners high. A dancer balances basket overhead, as others look on.

Pilgrims clasp their hands to chest before majestic walled temples.

Five men with long rope pull a pavillion form shrine on whelled cart.

Riders on elephant, oxen and camel follow a dignitary in sash covered couch. The couch held high by four muscled attendants.

These beautifully detailed scenes of prayer, dance and devotion set against fine satinised background. Characteristic of Bangalore silver (See Wilkinson page 165).

The recessed centre with floral and vine framed medallion, encasing period presentation engraving as shown.

This museum worthy 19th century Bangalore processional elephant handle tea tray 21 1/2 inches handle to handle and 12 1/2 across. Exceptionally thick, heavy guage sterling construction weighs 59 ounces.

In excellent condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina. The brilliant processional scenes, walled temples and twin elephant handles retain their original crisp, vibrant hand chased detail. Stands perfectly firm on table. Couple of mild scuffs from careful use. And a single, very shallow line crease, lower and slightly left of the presentation engraving.

Unsigned. Not unusual for 19th century Indian silver (See Wilkinson).

For the most discerning collector of the finest 19th century Indian hand wrought silver. Focused upon the finest examples from Bangalore. A museum worthy late 19th century Indian sterling silver Bangalore "fifty-five figure" processional, "twin elephant" handled presentation tea tray. In very fine condition.

Please feel free to inquire directly about this, or any item we've listed. Whether the item is alone or part of a set. We very much welcome your interest. We are collectors first. As such, we are quite easy to work with.

We happily combine items when shipping, saving you costs. We ship twice weekly, usually US Postal Priority. Fully insured for domestic packages, and air parcel overseas. We charge a bit more than actual cost for custom size boxes, shipping materials and to pay for professional packing.

We make great effort to accurately describe each item listed. Returns are accepted, if either condition, country of origin or dating is significantly incorrect. In such cases we refund your shipping costs as well. Like you, we are only human, and make mistakes. Hopefully, not too many.

Remember, the items you see are antiques. Hence, have an expected amount of wear from normal use. As such, returning an item because we failed to mention the tiniest bit of wear, or barely discernible flaw is not acceptable. Nor do we accept returns based on buyer's remorse. Nor change of taste, or because a buyer did not realize how "small" four inches might be once in hand.

Please note, Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax.

We have over 5055 feedbacks. And, are quite proud of our 99.% plus rating.

We received favorable notice in the March 12th, 2006 New York Times. Page 8, Business Section, in a well written article on silver collecting. Copy furnished upon request.

From our personal collection, a fine mid 19th century coin silver basket by Edward & John Moore is illustrated in the cover article in May/June 2008 Silver Magazine.

Enjoy....and good fortune in your bidding.