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Milk Strainer, Silver, Possibly Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Western India, ca. 1875-90.

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

This particular silver milk strainer from Kutch is an exquisite example of colonial-era craftsmanship, blending utility with ornate artistry. Its overall form is bulbous at the base and gently tapering towards the neck, creating a balanced, rounded silhouette. The mouth of the strainer opens into a wide, scalloped rim with undulating curves, lending a sense of elegance and rhythm to the object. The handle of the milk strainer is designed in a captivating serpentine form, characterised by sinuous curves that twist and coil, mimicking the graceful movement of a snake. This design choice not only enhances the visual dynamism of the piece but also carries deep symbolic meanings of strength, protection, and agility.

 

Furthermore, the handle’s textured surface plays a crucial functional role, ensuring a secure grip for the user while complementing the overall aesthetic drama of the vessel. The body of the strainer is richly adorned with intricate floral motifs, a hallmark of Kutch silverwork. Delicately chased and repoussé patterns of scrolling vines, blossoms, and foliage cover the surface, evoking a sense of natural abundance, recognisable features of Bhuj workmanship. The base is comparatively plain but encircled by a neat band of linear motifs, resembling stylised lotus petals or an architectural frieze, grounding the ornamentation above.

 

Thus, the strainer combines useful design and detailed decoration. The craftsmanship shows the skill of the silversmith, which is closely linked to the famous Bhuj master Oomersi Mawji (O.M. Bhuj) and his workshop. Mawji & Sons, active from 1860 to 1890, gained worldwide fame for Kutch silver. Their work, supported by patrons like the Gaekwads and Maharao of Kutch, Khengarji III, was shown at regional and world fairs and became well-known for its beauty and finesse.

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition

 

Good Condition with minor wear.

 

Dimension

 

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.Stephen Markel, “Kutch Silver: A Study of Stylistic Sources,” Across the South of Asia: A Volume in Honor of Robert L. Brown (2020), Academia.edu, accessed September 15, 2025, https://www.academia.edu/44937343/Kutch_Silver_A_Study_of_Stylistic_Sources.

 

2.Vidya Dehejia, Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj (Ahmedabad: Mapin Publishing, 2008).

 

3.Pushkin’s, “Indian Silver – History & Silversmiths,” Pushkin’s, accessed September 15, 2025, https://pushkins.com/indian-silver-full-article.

 

 

 

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