An Exceptional Indian Solid Silver Niello Beaker and Saucer, circa 1800

An exceptional and visually appealing Indian solid silver beaker cup and matching saucer, finely worked in niello and richly decorated with a vivid menagerie of animals, birds, and serpents amidst dense scrolling foliage, dating to the early 19th century.

Of elegant, slightly flared cylindrical form, the beaker is executed in solid silver and intricately engraved throughout before being filled with a deep black niello, creating a striking contrast that heightens both detail and movement across the surface. The decoration is remarkably dense and animated, with paired serpents rising sinuously along the body, enclosing a lively naturalistic scene populated by leopards, birds, and other animals rendered with a confident and fluid hand. The entire composition is set against a finely worked foliate ground of scrolling vines and blossoms, producing a richly textured, almost textile-like effect.

The upper register is framed by a continuous band of stylized floral ornament, while the lower section is similarly enclosed, lending balance and architectural clarity to the otherwise highly dynamic surface. The beaker is raised on a modest spreading foot, providing both stability and a subtle visual grounding.

The accompanying saucer, also in solid silver and decorated en suite, mirrors the beaker’s intricate niello work. At its center, a circular reserve presents a harmonious arrangement of animals in motion—birds, felines, and other creatures—interwoven within dense foliage, all encircled by concentric borders of floral motifs. The precision and consistency of the engraving across both elements strongly suggest that the set was conceived and executed as a unified work.

Works of this type represent a refined and relatively uncommon expression of Indian silver, where the niello technique—more frequently associated with other regional traditions—is here employed with remarkable sophistication. The present example stands apart for its combination of substantial weight, completeness as a set, and the exceptional quality and density of its ornamentation.

Weight: 466 grams

Height of beaker: 5 1/8 inches
Diameter of saucer: 4 3/4 inches.

Minor wear to the niello with small losses. The beaker with light bruising and a shallow rim dent with two small splits. Overall very good condition.