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Mahatma Gandhi's Vintage 1940s Metal Prison Bowl and Wooden Fork and Spoons

About the Item

- Historically important metal food bowl, two wooden spoons and a wooden fork owned by Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation" - Used by Gandhi during his incarceration at Aga Kahn Palace in Pune between 1942 and 1944, as well as at Palm Bun house, Juhu Beach, Mumbai - Provenance from shipping magnate Sumati Morajee, owner of Palm Bun house, who cared for Gandhi while there Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (2 October 1869-30 January 1948), commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu (Father of Nation), was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights, and freedom across the world. Gandhi is known in India as the Father of the Nation; his birthday, 2 October, is commemorated there as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and world-wide as the International Day of Non-Violence. His philosophy was not theoretical but one of pragmatism, that is, practicing his principles in the moment. Asked to give a message to the people, he would respond, "My life is my message". Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948 while he was walking to a platform from which he was to address a prayer meeting. Without doubt one of the most historically important collections we have ever had the pleasure of offering A collection of eating utensils, comprising a metal food bowl, a simple wooden fork and two wooden spoons belonging to Mahatma Gandhi. The food bowl measures approximately 2½" high by 8" in diameter and carries the stamped numbers to its base '208/42'. The spoons and fork are approximately 6½" in length. All items are in good condition. The items belonged to Gandhi and were used by him at the 'Palm-Bun' house, owned by shipping magnate Sumati Morarjee, at Juhu Beach, Bombay (Mumbai). According to Morarjee family lore the utensils were used by Gandhi during his incarceration at the Aga Khan's palace in Pune from 9 August 1942-6 May 1944, and then taken to their home at Juhu Beach. Gandhi first visited the 'Palm-Bun' house in 1915 after his return from South Africa. He also spent extended periods of time at the home, most notably in 1924 after his surgery for appendicitis and in 1944 after his release from detention at the Aga Khan's palace in Pune. During both extended visits Gandhi was cared for by Sumati Morarjee, a close associate of Gandhi's who was actively involved in the underground movement for Independence. Morarjee, is also known as the first woman of Indian shipping, and is credited to have become the first woman in the world to head an organization of ship owners, the Indian National Steamship Owners Association. In 1971 she was awarded the second highest civilian honor of India in for her civil services. These items were subsequently kept by Sumati Morarjee at her home, in an unofficial museum. The items are documented in the book Sumati Morarjee Felicitation Volume (1970) and also in Vithalbhai Jhaveri's epic film biography of Gandhi. Provenance: The collection of Sumati Morarjee.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Diameter: 8 in (20.32 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
    1910-1919
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1915
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Jersey, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3812111131521
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