Swari Locket With Kartikeya
During the 19th century, India saw a melding of local and English customs. India has long been an important center for the production of goods including textiles, foods, and jewelry. British and local silversmiths set up shops in major colonial cities where new styles unique to each city emerged. This locket is in the Madras, or “Swami” style. Madras had a strong Hindu following, and the silver tradition of that region reflects that with its use of finely repoussé’d Hindu gods, festooned by architectural elements. This Locket is incredibly detailed. It depicts Kartikeya, the god of war, riding a peacock with a snake in its mouth, which stands on a cobra. Above Kartikeya are a few flowers.
3” x 1 3/4” including bale
SIlver, ca. 1860
During the 19th century, India saw a melding of local and English customs. India has long been an important center for the production of goods including textiles, foods, and jewelry. British and local silversmiths set up shops in major colonial cities where new styles unique to each city emerged. This locket is in the Madras, or “Swami” style. Madras had a strong Hindu following, and the silver tradition of that region reflects that with its use of finely repoussé’d Hindu gods, festooned by architectural elements. This Locket is incredibly detailed. It depicts Kartikeya, the god of war, riding a peacock with a snake in its mouth, which stands on a cobra. Above Kartikeya are a few flowers.
3” x 1 3/4” including bale
SIlver, ca. 1860
During the 19th century, India saw a melding of local and English customs. India has long been an important center for the production of goods including textiles, foods, and jewelry. British and local silversmiths set up shops in major colonial cities where new styles unique to each city emerged. This locket is in the Madras, or “Swami” style. Madras had a strong Hindu following, and the silver tradition of that region reflects that with its use of finely repoussé’d Hindu gods, festooned by architectural elements. This Locket is incredibly detailed. It depicts Kartikeya, the god of war, riding a peacock with a snake in its mouth, which stands on a cobra. Above Kartikeya are a few flowers.
3” x 1 3/4” including bale
SIlver, ca. 1860