Antique Indian Silver Box 19th century
Antique Indian Silver Box 19th century
£650.00
Description
A fine early 19th century Indian silver box. Of square shape with each side applied with an
intricate lotus motif. The lid has a reeded border with foliate decoration to each corner, the
centre of the lid rises from a complex lotus motif to a domed stupa like finial.
Although of small scale, this exquisite box displays great quality in both technical and
aesthetic aspects.
The lotus flower has an ancient history in the art and religions of the Indian sub-continent.
Within Hinduism the flower is associated with a number of divinities, most notably Vishnu
and Lakshmi. The symbolism of the lotus is extensive within the Hindu canon, it symbolises
the divine and immortal aspects in humanity as well as divine protection and the realization
of inner potential. It is frequently referenced in Puranic and Vedic literature and appears
frequently in depictions of the deity’s often as a throne. in Tantric and Yogic traditions, it
symbolizes the potential of an individual to harness the flow of energy moving through the
chakras (often depicted as wheel-like lotuses) flowering as the thousand-petaled lotus of
enlightenment at the top of the skull.
Many of these aspects were adopted into Buddhism, and indeed the Buddha is quoted as
comparing himself to the lotus saying that the lotus flower rises from the muddy water
unstained, as he rises from this world, free from the defilements taught in the specific sutta.
This symbolism is expanded so the lotus represents the purity of the body, speech and mind
floating above the murky waters of material attachment and desire.
The religious importance of the lotus naturally meant it was a frequent motif in the art of the
sub-continent as the great temples were decorated with sculpture and reliefs and religious
texts were often illuminated.
As the lotus is closely associated with the Buddha the flower is often incorporated into the
architecture of the stupa’s that were built as shrines often containing relics associated with
the Buddha. The top of this box bears a design reminiscent of a stupa with a dome rising up
from an open lotus motif.
The emphasis on the lotus could suggest a specifically Buddhist use for the box although the
general importance of the flower in all the major religions of the sub-continent make a
specific attribution difficult. It was obviously intended for something precious and is a fine
example of the quality of silver artisans working in the early years of the 19 th century.
Length: 5.2 cm
Width: 5.2 cm
Height: 7 cm
Total Weight: 155 grams
| item details | |
|---|---|
| Material and Technique | Silver |
| Origin | Other |
| Period | Early 1900s |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Dimensions | Width: 5.2 cm Height: 7 cm |
Product REF: JC-07217
