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Cigar or Cheroot Case, Silver, Pondicherry, Southern India, ca. 1880 – 1890.

 

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

The object’s form—a large, four-sided cheroot or matchbox case with a hinged cap in Chinoiserie style, a European decorative style that flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. Derived from the French word chinois (“Chinese”).

 

The object is structured into three distinct horizontal registers, each adorned with elaborate figurative and ornamental motifs. The top register depicts dynamic combat scenes in which lions attack deer, a common motif in both Indian and European art. The Middle Panel portrays riders mounted on richly caparisoned elephants and horses, framed within scrolling floral motifs, while the representation of Peacocks symbolises beauty, prosperity, immortality and serenity. Furthermore, the Lower Panel depicts the same motifs as the upper panel.

 

The lush foliage framing the panels enhances the sense of abundance and continuity. At the end, this lavish decoration elevates it beyond a mere functional item, transforming it into a status object that encapsulates both colonial tastes and local artisanal virtuosity.

 

Puducherry or Pondicherry is particularly notable for its high density of artisanal traditions, including metalwork and silver craft. This particular object appears to be a rare example of Pondicherry silverwork. However, its stylistic affinities also resonate with the celebrated silver traditions of Trichinopoly or Tiruchirappalli.

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition

 

Good Condition with minor wear, light scratches.

 

Dimension

 

Weight – 225 grams


Height – 13.1 cm / 5.15 inches

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.“Rare, French-Colonial, Indian Gilded-Silver Cheroot Box,” Michael Backman Ltd, accessed August 21, 2025, https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/pondicherry-indian-silver-box/

 

2.Neil Shapiro, Match Safes from India, Match Safe Scholar, accessed August 21, 2025, https://matchsafescholar.com/assets/pdfs/articles/Match_Safes_from_India.pdf.

 

3.“Puducherry Crafts Heritage,” Crafts Council Puducherry, accessed August 21, 2025, https://craftscouncilpuducherry.org/

 

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