A Fine Indian Raj Silver Beaker, Lucknow, ca. 1860

Description A truncated conical, circular, gilt-lined silver beaker chased with a continuous and repeating pattern of vines, coriander and arched panels.  The dhaniya or coriander flower pattern first made its appearance about 1860, descending from the traditional Mughal designs found in the first part of the 19th century. Often, on those earlier items, a continuous vine border framed the top of the piece, and this beaker also shows that feature. Here, the coriander appears hanging as in a curtain below the vines. Twelve wide decorative panels with gilded, arched frames, set around the lower half imitate the fluted form of popular contemporary glassware. Similar decoration can be seen in “Indian Silver 1858-1947” by Wynyard R. T. Wilkinson, for example in illustration 222 on page 133 and also on the front cover. The beaker is made of a good gauge of silver and is of sterling standard or better. Dimensions & Weight: Diameter (at rim): 8.0 cm /  3 ⅛ ins;     Diameter (of base): 5.5 cm / 2 3/16  ins;     Height: 9.5 cm / 3 ¾ ins;     Max. Capacity: 350 ml / 12 fl. oz / 0.6 pint;     Weight: 181 gm / 5.8 ozT