Samavar

19th - early 20th Century Origin: Kashmir Material: Copper with tin plating and black enamel Design: Shawl-tarah and Panjhaar This Kashmiri copper samovar is distinguished by its elaborate shawl-tarah motif, in which the ornamental language of Kashmir's celebrated textiles is translated into metal. Large elongated paisley forms cover the body, densely filled with fine floral engraving and arranged much like the repeating boteh of a woven or embroidered shawl. The engraved body is balanced by deeply fluted lower panels, a domed lid and an unusually elaborate pierced pedestal worked with floral and geometric openwork. The samovar stands as a compelling example of how a single decorative vocabulary could travel between Kashmir's crafts, from shawls and carpets to wood, papier-mâché and engraved copper, each material interpreting the same motif through its own technique. Private collection - Trām and Beyond

Not for Sale