A Mughal Period Indian Silver Chuski Flask, Rajasthan, ca. 1800

Description A circular silver Chuski: Opium Water, Wine or Spirit Flask, of baluster shape with narrow neck, set upon a collet foot, with C-scrolled silver handle and slender, conformal S-shaped spout terminating in a plugged gland, the plug being secured by a short silver chain. The neck is fitted with a circular, bell-shaped stopper, also secured by a short silver chain. The body and foot are plain except for a band of reverse fluting around the mid section of the body, and the stopper has an open ring formed from tiny arched wire loops set above a ring of eight half-beads. Maker’s Marks There are no maker’s marks, but the silver appears to be of a good standard of purity. Dimensions & Weights Width (handle to spout): 7 cm / 2 ¾ ins.;     Body diameter: 6 cm / 2 3/8 ins.;     Height (including stopper): 11.1 cm / 4 3/8 ins.;     Weight: 120 gms / 3.9 ozT. Further Information A similar silver chuski is shown on p. 120 in Mughal Silver Magnificence by Christiane Terlinden (Antalga, 1987).