A GILT AND ENAMELLED COVERED VESSEL (SURAHI), NORTH INDIA, K...

Hammer

£550

A GILT AND ENAMELLED COVERED VESSEL (SURAHI), NORTH INDIA, KASHMIR, 19TH CENTURY

This richly decorated surahi exemplifies the luxurious gilt-copper enamelware for which 19th-century Kashmir was celebrated. The vessel is composed of a flaring, domed base rising to an elongated neck, and is fitted with a finely matched domed cover surmounted by a gilt finial. Every surface is adorned with vibrant polychrome enamels in shades of turquoise, cobalt blue, emerald, and crimson, all set against glistening gilt grounds.

The body features alternating panels of scrolling foliate motifs, delicate floral sprays, and repeating petal-like lobes that radiate harmoniously from the foot. The neck is embellished with diagonal bands of intricate floral patterns, framed by narrow gilt borders, while the cover echoes the same lavish palette and ornamental vocabulary. The underside is similarly worked with dense enamelled decoration, demonstrating the remarkable craftsmanship typical of Kashmiri metalworkers of the period.

H: 25cm