Three Mid to Late 19th Century Silver Filigree Boxes -
Karimnagar.
Post in preparation.
Coming up for sale 28 June 2023, at Dore and Rees, Frome, Somerset.
I have covered the subject of Silver Filigree from Karimnagar in some depth in several previous posts.
The manufacturing techniques used in these objects is very distinct, using the small double twist comma shaped elements, within frames of larger rectangular section wires.
Although catalogued as Deccan, 19th Century there is no evidence of Silver Filigree being made in Karimnagar before about 1830.
Deccan is frequently used to describe this type of filigree suggesting manufacture in Karimnagar, Hydrabad.
...........................................
Essay from the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge - Vol 4, October, 2005.
This essay suggests that Mr Kadarla Ramayya introduced the manufacture of filigree at Karamnagar about 160 years ago.
The first reference I can find to Kadarla Ramayya and filigree at Karimnager is in 1972 and is repeated in this essay - so perhaps not entirely to be trusted.
https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/8525/1/IJTK%204(4)%20386-391.pdf
..............................
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 4, October 2005
for an essay on Karimnagar and filigree see
https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/8525/1/IJTK%204(4)%20386-391.pdf
-------------------------
Above a close up to illustrate the techniques of manufacture.
Silver Gilt and Silver Filigree Box.
12 Cms wide.
Dore and Rees Lot 147, 28 June 2023.
...................................
Silver Filigree Box.
12.5 cms.
Dore and Rees, Lot 126, 28 June 2023.
..................................
Silver Filigree Box.
Width 9.5 cms.
Dore and Rees, Lot 123, 28 June 2023.
_______________________________
12 x 8 cms.
Sold Cambi, Milan. Lot 196, 19 May 2014,
https://www.cambiaste.com/it/asta-0196-2/scatola-rettangolare-in-filigrana-dargento--128761
................................
12.8 cms.
Christies, Lot 578, 11 October 2013.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5722845
This is possibly the same box coming up for sale at Dore Rees (see above).
....................................
Olympia Auctions, Lot 345, 20 November 2019.
3.5 x 8.5 x 5.7cm.
......................................
Close up showing the use of alternating single wire and double twisted wire comma shaped elements.
4.5cm x 11cm x 8cm.
Chiswick Auctions. Lot 368, 22 July 2020.
https://www.chiswickauctions.co.uk/auction/lot/368-a-silver-filigree-lidded-box/?lot=123655&sd=1
.................................
The following three sets of photographs of Karimnagar boxes have been kindly provided by Stroud Dealer Tristrem Carlyon.
His stock is viewable at -
https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/carlyonsilver/
Size 8.8 x 6.8 x 4.2 cms.
-------------------------
Size - 60 x 45 x 34 cms.
..............................................................
A very fine mid 19th Century Silver Gilt and Silver Filigree Box.
Width Approx. 7.5 cms.
I am very grateful to Tristrem Carlyon for permission to use his photographs.
______________________________
Heart Shaped Silver Filigree box.
with London Dealer Michael Backman.
He suggests Dutch East Indies but I believe Karimnagar.
length: 7cm, width: 5.5cm, height: 2.5cm,
https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/dutch-colonial-silver-filigree-heart-shaped-box/
I am very grateful to Michael Backman for permission to use his photographs.
.......................................
The V and A Set.
Given by Prince Albert.
Madras Exhibition 1857; Indian Museum, transferred to SKM
1879. Indian Museum slip book number 10,519: 'Tray, Hyderabad'.
Karimnagar is about 100 miles north of Hyderabad.
Height: 90mm, Length: 230mm, Width: 185mm.
Tray only height: 50mm
Height: 60mm (For large box in centre).
Width: 117mm (For large box in centre).
Depth: 70mm (For large box in centre).
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O111687/spice-tray-unknown/
......................................
The two objects here are in the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, India.
They are probably mid 19th Century but it is possible they could be earlier and that they did not originate in Karimnagar but came from Cuttack, Orissa, the workmanship appears very close to known objects from Karimnager, particularly the set donated by Prince Albert (above) to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1856.
Currently no size available.
Images from
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2704128413135849&set=a.1556996821182353
...........................
Silver an Silver Gilt Filigree Tray.
Karimnagar.
Mid 19th Century.
Currently no sizes available and it is therefore it is not immediately obvious whether these pieces are closely related, but it is possible that they were part of a two piece set. Certainly stylistically they are related.
Images here from
https://salarjungmuseum.in/Indian-Silver.html
...........................................
Pair of Silver Filigree Salvers.
Karimnagar.
With the remains of gilding on the rectangular section ribs.
Very fine quality and exceptionally a pair.
Previously with London dealer Michael Backman.
Diameter: 24.7cm, height: 3.4cm.
Michael Backman says 18th Century but until I receive confirmation of filigree manufacture in Karimnagar before about 1830 I think it is safer to say mid 19th Century.
https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/pair-of-exceptional-indian-parcel-gilded-silver-filigree-trays-or-salvers/
Once again many thanks to Michael Backman for permissions to use his material.
---------------------------------
Unusual Silver Gilt and Silver Filigree Casket with Zoomorphic Feet.
Width: 10.7cm, depth: 10.3cm, height: 5.8cm.
https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/colonial-gilt-silver-filigree-box/
.jpg)
