19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
222
AN INDIAN SILVER WINE OR SPIRIT FLASK (CHUSKI)
Rajasthan, India, 19th century
AN INDIAN SILVER WINE OR SPIRIT FLASK (CHUSKI)
Rajasthan, India, 19th century
Of bulbous shape with a flaring ribbed neck, the piece featuring three finials in the shape of stylised birds, one crowning the lid and two adorning the handle and spout, with a suspension silver chain, the raised foot pierced and chased with stylised acanthus leaves radiating outward in a symmetrical pattern.
15cm x 11cm
This type of vessel was traditionally used to serve wine or other libations during ceremonial occasions. The figural birds may represent stylised peacocks or parrots—motifs commonly associated with festivity and royalty in Indian art. While utilitarian in form, the piece is highly ornamental, showcasing the skill of local silversmiths during the late Mughal and early colonial periods. For two similar Indian silver chuskis, earlier in date, please see Christiane Terlinden, Mughal Silver Magnificence, 16th-19th Century, 1987, pp. 119 - 120, cats. 162 and 163.
Sold for £394
AN INDIAN SILVER WINE OR SPIRIT FLASK (CHUSKI)
Rajasthan, India, 19th century
Of bulbous shape with a flaring ribbed neck, the piece featuring three finials in the shape of stylised birds, one crowning the lid and two adorning the handle and spout, with a suspension silver chain, the raised foot pierced and chased with stylised acanthus leaves radiating outward in a symmetrical pattern.
15cm x 11cm
This type of vessel was traditionally used to serve wine or other libations during ceremonial occasions. The figural birds may represent stylised peacocks or parrots—motifs commonly associated with festivity and royalty in Indian art. While utilitarian in form, the piece is highly ornamental, showcasing the skill of local silversmiths during the late Mughal and early colonial periods. For two similar Indian silver chuskis, earlier in date, please see Christiane Terlinden, Mughal Silver Magnificence, 16th-19th Century, 1987, pp. 119 - 120, cats. 162 and 163.
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 19th Jun, 2025
Our specialist auction Arts of India and the Islamic Lands is now online for you to browse, peruse and fall in love with your next antique.
Among the highlights, this sale vaunts a remarkable selection of Rajput Schools paintings and an illustrated loose folio from a Timurid Haft Paykar series, all part of a private Canadian collection; several gem-studded Indian necklaces, treasured heirlooms of a local family; a notable group of Islamic manuscripts, including a geomantic tome attributed to the Nubian alchemist Dhul-Nun al-Misri; and several lots of Persian Qajar lacquer belonging to the heir of a British diplomatic family in office under Sir Denis Wright in Tehran between 1971 - 1973.
Our selected lots preview starts next week, on Tuesday 3rd June, and the full view is going to take place from Friday 13th June until the sale day.
Mark your calendars and come to see us!
For any enquiries, please contact us at:
Viewing
Viewing:
13th June - 10:00 - 17:00
14th June - 11:00 - 16:00
15th June - 11:00 - 16:00
16th June - 10:00 - 17:00
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
