A rare documentary late 19th century Anglo – Indian silver three-piece tea service, Cutch, Bhuj circa 1880 by Oomersi Mawji (active 1860-90)

Raj period, comprising a teapot, a milk jug and a twin handled sugar bowl. Each of cylindrical form with a moulded corded edge. The teapot with a tapering tubular spout opposite a straight section leaf capped handle fitted with ivory insulators pinned to scroll sockets. The hinged domed lid surmounted by a detachable finial formed as a lychee atop of three leaves. The bodies with embossed decoration of foliate scrolls and rosettes interspersed with animals, on the teapot a dog chasing a hare, birds, a wolf observing a squirrel and a attaching a gazelle, all held between bands of stylised acanthus leaves. The spout, lid and handles similarly decorated with chased foliate scrolls and rosettes. Each marked underneath O,M encameo. (3)

Teapot length – 19.5 cm / 7.6 inches

Teapot height – 13.9 cm / 5.5 inches

Weight – 861 grams / 27.68 ozt

This set is illustrated in Wilkinson, W., (1999)., Indian Silver 1858-1947: Decorative Silver from the Indian Sub-Continent and Burma Made by Local Craftsmen in Western Forms. London, Wynyard R T Wilkinson, p.83 f. 117.