A SILVER-OVERLAID COPPER ALLOY CEREMONIAL EWER WITH PARADE AND HUNTING SCENES
Northern India, second half 19th century

Of compressed bulbous shape, resting on a tall splayed foot, rising to a short tapering neck with bulging ring below the wide hemispherical mouth, surmounted by a similar lid with bud-like finial, with a curved handle with a spotted makara on one side, on the latter a semi-straight spout terminating in a stylised rosette, the exterior clad in silver overlay designs including two large oval medallions in the centre, one showcasing a ceremonial parade; the latter with a tiger hunting scene with a Raja on an elephant, a composition typical of Kota paintings, the rest of the body covered with stylised lotus flowers, bands of leafy palmettes, rosette heads, and interlocking vegetal sprays, to the lower sides figures of a heavily bejewelled lady, her forehead marked with two lines and the sign of the third eye, possibly indicating the scope of the vessel as ceremonial for Shaivite rituals, 35.3cm high.