Kutch Ornament In Golden Silver

The Kutch region of western India exhibits the finest embossed and chased silver craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Often made in the British colonial taste with magnificent detail, chased in silver and copper with a resin background, which was then melted to leave a wonderful crisp detail, as is often seen on ironwork from this region. This example: A rare metal ornament covered with the most beautiful openwork in gilded silver. The ornament features a metal alloy base with thick silver decoration depicting birds and foliage. The center features a raised centerpiece depicting a bird with outstretched wings, resting among flowers. The edge is decorated with a typical leafy pattern. Similar decoration was seen on goblets, tea and coffee pots, trays, small furniture and weapons from the royal court workshops and seen by the elite of the Bhuj region of colonial West India. The ornament could be a shield boss, hence the four double holes through which the ornament was probably sewn, or perhaps a breast ornament. In any case, I haven't been able to find any similar examples.

Excellent condition, minimal ware on the gold