A SILVER REPOUSSÉ CEREMONIAL DISH
Lucknow, Awadh, Northern India, ca. 1880 - 1890

Of typical circular shape with a wide, everted, lobed rim, the silver surface in the centre and rim worked with repoussé decoration including a lion hunt on elephants' back in the central medallion, and vibrant and dynamic hunting scenes in the jungle with a great variety of wild animals all around the rim, 36cm diam, 600g weight.

The silver production of Lucknow always distinguished itself for exquisite, high-chased, artistically-accomplished repoussé work and lively, animated scenes. Among the most favoured subjects, one could find jungle scenes with elephants, tigers, lions, and other animals; palm trees; hunting and village scenes with large haveli surrounded by huts; and mythological depictions. Muslim patrons would have predilected hunting and jungle scenes, portraying ferocious battles to show off their prowess.