Two Indian Punjabi ‘Koftgari’ Gold Damascened Ironwork Perfume Ewers
Two Indian Punjabi ‘Koftgari’ Gold Damascened Ironwork Perfume Ewers
Decorated with finely scrolling floral designs
Second half 19th Century
Size: 11cm high - 4¼ ins high (each)
Decorated with finely scrolling floral designs
Second half 19th Century
Size: 11cm high - 4¼ ins high (each)
‘Koftgari’ or ‘Kuftkari’ is the technique in which a pattern traced onto iron or steel is inlaid with gold. It was traditionally used in the manufacture of weapons and armour, but after the annexation of the Punjab by the British in 1849 the production of arms was banned. The skilled artisan ‘Kuftkars’ quickly turned their attention to supplying the growing European demand for luxury domestic objects decorated with damascened gold or silver. However, they did quietly continue their traditional art with weaponry albeit on a much reduced scale.
Two Indian Punjabi ‘Koftgari’ Gold Damascened Ironwork Perfume Ewers
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