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Large, very fine, and unique Indian gilt-metal and silver sporting shield

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Large, very fine, and unique Indian gilt-metal and silver sporting shield
Indian, c.1927
Depth 13cm, diameter 68.5cm

This large, very fine, and unique item is a superb example of Indian metalwork: a sporting trophy dating to 1927, that commemorates a polo contest in India in which the Maharajah of Ratlam, among others, competed. It is framed with ebonised wood and mounted with an intricate arrangement of gilt-metal and silvered panels.

Decorated with Indian landmarks, including the Jama Masjid, Delhi, the Golden Temple, Amritsar and others, it is intermittently adorned with beautiful engraved details depicting enthroned deities, animals, and portraits. The shield is centred with a monogram denoting, 'EI,' in a sun-burst central gilt piece. Around this small foliate panels in alternating silver and gilt are arranged, within a gilt foliate frienze and rings of beads.

In the centre portraits in gilding are placed within images of animals, including elephants, monkeys playing with snakes, tigers, and peacocks. A list of India cities then ensues, including Mysore, Bikanir, Indore, Patiala, Tehri, and Ratlam, and the widest section depicts mult-armed Hindu deities betwen Indian landmarks and cultural centres.

There are also four plaques mounted, one of which is inscribed with the names of the participants. The winning team is listed, and included Major E. D. Metcalfe, Captain C. T. I. Roark, The Maharajah of Ratlam, and Lt. Col. the Hon. J. D. Y. Bingham. Together they won with 6 goals to , according to the inscription. This unique piece captures a snapshot of sporting history, and will be of great interest to those with a love of sporting memorabilia and an appreciation for Indian metalwork.

More Information

Origin:	India
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Gilt-metal, Silver plate, Silver.
Creation Date:	1927
Styles / Movements:	Indian, Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	16777
Incollect Reference #:	620503

Dimensions

D.	5.12 in;	Diam.	26.97 in;
D.	13 cm;	Diam.	68.5 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.