Tumbler

Late 19th century Origin: Kashmir Material: Copper with tin plating Design: Shawl-tarah A finely engraved Kashmiri copper drinking vessel particularly expressive example of the exchange between Kashmir's textile and metalworking traditions. The tapering body is densely covered with scrolling foliage and large curving boteh (paisley) forms, organised within a continuous field of minute floral decoration. These elongated motifs recall the richly composed shawl patterns developed in Kashmir's textile workshops, where botehs were often filled and surrounded by exceptionally detailed floral ornament. Executed through chasing and engraving, the decoration translates the softness and intricacy of woven textile into metal. Narrow ornamental borders at the rim and base further reinforce the impression of a woven composition, framing the central field much like the patterned borders of a shawl. Private collection: Trām and Beyond

Not for Sale