Video IconDownload Icon
Zoom Icon Click for high resolution

Fly-Whisk, Zardosi & Silver, Possibly Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Eastern India, ca. 1895 – 1905.

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

Fly whisks are commonly referred as Chamara or Chauri. This exquisite Chauri is masterfully adorned with intricate zardosi work, showcasing embellishments that beautifully emulate the vibrant appearance of peacock feathers. The term ‘zardozi’ is derived from Persian, meaning ‘sewing with gold thread’. It combines ‘zar’, meaning gold, with ‘dozi’, meaning embroidery, thus encapsulating the essence of this elaborate artifact. Zardosi was synonymous with the rich cultural arena of Lucknow and the entire Awadh region solidifying its status as a pinnacle of artisanal craftsmanship particularly glorifying the Royal Courts.

 

The delicate laces at the end of the fans of this Chauri serves to enhance the meticulous embroidery, which is complemented by patches of shimmering gold thread that catch the light beautifully. The backdrop is made of rich, royal blue velvet. The shaft of the fly whisk is crafted from finely polished silver, featuring a cylindrical disk at the base and a slender rod for ease of handling.

 

The Chauris are traditionally crafted from yak tail hair; however, references to the ornately decorated Chauris can also be found in the source text Triṣaṣṭiśalākā‑puruṣha‑charitra, authored by Hemacandra in the 12th century. In Jainism, the chauri is recognized as one of the atisayas—meaning, ‘which transcends the ordinary or natural—and is associated with Tīrthaṅkaras, holy places (tīrthas), sacred idols, and enlightened beings (arhats)’. The chauri represents divine service, veneration and the esteemed status of the Kevalī.

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition 

 

Good Condition with minor wear.

 

Dimensions

 

Length – 74 cm.

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.Aari and Zardozi work: Legacy of Nawabi Lucknow  Sahapedia.

 

2.Helen M Johnson, Trisastisalakapurusacaritra Vol I, ORIENTAL INSTITUTE. BARODA, 1931.

 

3.Charn Smita Gupta, Zardozi: Glittering Gold Embroidery, New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 1996.

 

4.Johnson, Trisastisalakapurusacaritra Vol I.

 

5.www.wisdomlib.org. 1970. “Chauri: Significance and Symbolism.” Wisdomlib.org. 1970. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/chauri?utm.

 

6.Helen M Johnson, Trisastisalakapurusacaritra Vol I, ORIENTAL INSTITUTE. BARODA, 1931.

 

 

 

Categories: ,

Request More Images


You can find images of this object above. Click on an image to zoom.

In case you are looking for additional images, please email us at ritesh@indikeauctions.com or use the request form below.

    How to Buy

    Buying at Indike is simple. Our friendly team of experts are always willing to discuss items entered in the auctions and also those that are currently available in our online shop with potential purchaser. All members of our dedicated team are here to help should you need any assistance. Please note that all items purchased are subject to our standard terms and conditions.

    Live Auction
    Indike Live Auction

    Bid live on our website, without additional online surcharges!

    Timed Auction
    Timed Auction

    Bids are open until the window closes. Highest bid wins.

    Online Gallery
    Online Gallery

    You can buy fine Indian art immediately in our online shop.

    Terms & Conditions

    By accessing or using this website, mobile application, or any services provided by Indike, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the following terms and conditions. These terms govern your use of our platform and all content, features, and functionality made available through it. Use of this site is conditioned upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms. If you do not agree with any part of the terms, you must not use the website or services.

    All content provided on this site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Indike or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any content is strictly prohibited.

    The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change at any time without notice. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on the site. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

    We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the website without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

    You may not use this website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of its availability or accessibility. You may not use it for any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purpose or activity.

    Related products