A GROUP OF FORTY-THREE (43) CAST BRONZE INDIAN JEWELLER'S HAND-STAMPING MOULDS (THAPPA)
Possibly Orissa (Odisha), Eastern India, 19th and 20th centuries

Comprising forty-three bronze moulds, typically used by Indian craftsmen for hand-stamping elements for jewellery and small ornaments, varying in shape and size, mostly rounded and square, engraved with an impressive variety of decorative motifs from figural with animals, mythical creatures, and deities such as Ganesha and Durga, to floral designs, arabesques, vegetal medallions, and patterned gridwork, including a large mould sample of a large rosette.

The largest 10cm x 4cm and the smallest 2cm x 2cm

For further reference: Oppi Untracht, 'India: a rural silver jewellery odyssey' in René van der Star, Ethnic Jewellery from Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, 2008, p. 146.