Address case c. 1875
Gold, parchment, opaque watercolour, inks | 4.8 x 30 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11213
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A gold cylindrical address case made of sheet gold worked in high repousse depicting Hindu gods such as Ganesh, Shiva and the avatars of Vishnu. The sculptural cap of the scroll case depicts the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on Adishesha, a five-headed serpent. The other end of the case shows a man on horseback.
Depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses, popularly known as swami (god), in gold or silver were usually worn as amulets or used to embellish ritual objects. The increased European presence in India in the latter half of the nineteenth century and demand of objects of 'traditional' Indian design encouraged Indian metalworkers to apply these motifs to objects of European form and use, such as tea sets and cases. Craftsmen from Trichinopoly were renowned for producing swami-decorated objects in gold.
The address, written in English on parchment, to the Prince of Wales is decorated with a gold foliate border. A watercolour of the 'Trichinopoly Rock', a seventh century temple dedicated to an avatar of the Hindu god Ganesh, is affixed to the address.Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by the inhabitants of Trichinopoly. The Prince visited Trichinopoly on 11 December 1875, as part of his four-month tour of the Indian subcontinent and illuminations of the city's famous temples were organised in his honour.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold, parchment, opaque watercolour, inks
Measurements
4.8 x 30 cm (whole object)
Place of Production
Tiruchirappalli [Tamil Nadu]