Antique Silver Inlaid Bidri Huqqa Bottle

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About the Item

This extremely fine 18th century Indian silver inlaid bidri huqqa bottle of bell form is decorated with panels of inlaid silver flowers within geometric and foliate patterned borders. There are four main stages in the manufacture of Bidri. They are (i) casting (ii) engraving (iii) inlaying and (iv) oxidising. The articles are cast with the help of moulds of red clay into which the molten solution of copper and zinc. The surface of the rough cast of the articles is filed and smoothened with sand paper and then rubbed with a solution of copper sulphate to impart a dark surface to provide a suitable base for the next stage of tracing the design and engraving. The designs are traced by hand, by the craftsmen with the help of chisels. Next, pure silver wire or sheet (gold in rare cases) is hammered into the grooves of the design and the surface smoothened with the help of sand paper and files or with the help of a buffing machine. In the ultimate interesting stage, the articles are heated gently and treated with a solution of sal-ammoniac and earth taken from old fort buildings which has the effect of making the entire surface turn jet black providing a distinct contrast to the shining silver inlay. It is this contrast that lends Bidri a uniqueness that no other metalware could possibly claim. Finally, oil is rubbed on the piece to deepen the black matt coating.

Dimensions are 6" high x 6.75" diameter.

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About Us:

Specializing in Spanish colonial and Mexican folk art, Colonial Arts offers a unique collection that has been carefully hand selected for quality, craftsmanship, artistic merit and design. Our philosophy is based on basic principles of authenticity, condition, great service and a pride in the pieces we sell. Colonial Arts is a member of the Antique Dealers Association of California and the Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association. Each item in our catalogue is guaranteed to be authentic.

Colonial Arts started as a cyber enterprise 1998 and subsequently opened its first brick and mortar location on Union Street in San Francisco’s North Beach Neighborhood. Today Colonial Arts is situated in the San Francisco design center in a historic brick and timber building. The focus of the gallery continues to be high quality Spanish colonial and vintage folk art from Spain, Mexico and the Americas.

We encourage you to spend a moment, click the buttons, browse our extensive catalog, ask questions and discover the beauty and inspiration inherent in these rare art forms. Please bookmark this page. We are adding content, updating information, and posting new inventory frequently.

Please visit our website, www.colonialarts.com for more of our latest offerings.

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Other available offerings and keyword:

Mexican lacquerware, Guatemalan textiles, Spanish table, coffer, Mexican trunk, Shipibo, reliquary, tribal rug, retablos, Cuzco school painting, bulto, sombrero, betel nut, serape, saltillo, Crucifix, Cristo, Chalice, Commode, Armoire, Chairs, Candlesticks, Candelabra, Spratling, coconut bank, crown, corona, bargueno, vargueno, nicho, madonna, virgin, columns, lusterware, hispano moresque, baroque, Cusco, Peruvian, mask, Mexico, santo, tribal rug, anatolian, bench, bed, bowl, plate, charger, tonala, tlaquepaque, religious, majolica, faience, pottery, tile, icon, Syrian, Persian, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, ivory, french, italian, santo, santos, saint, retablo

Dimensions:
Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Diameter: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Copper,Silver,Zinc
Place of Origin:
India
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
18th century
Condition:
Excellent with only minor silver loss.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U0806028476103