A highly decorative 19th-century Kashmiri copper surahi / water ewer, extensively hand-worked with traditional floral and foliate decoration.

The bulbous body and long tapering neck are densely chased with scrolling vegetation, dominated by the characteristic Kashmiri chinar leaf motif. The recessed decoration retains a rich green verdigris patina, contrasting particularly well with the exposed warm copper tones.

The ewer has an elegant elongated handle and a hinged cover, with the upper fitting terminating in a distinctive stylised serpent or cobra-like head. The cover, neck, body and handle are all individually decorated, giving the piece considerable visual detail.

A substantial and unusual example of traditional Kashmiri metalwork with an attractive untouched aged surface.

Origin: Kashmir, Northern India
Date: 19th century
Material: Copper / copper alloy
Height: Approx. 28 cm
Width, spout to back of handle: Approx. 13 cm
Bulbous body diameter: Approx. 14–14.5 cm
Base diameter: Approx. 8.4 cm
Weight: Approx. 1,092 g

Condition: Good antique condition overall with extensive age-related patination, verdigris, surface wear and minor irregularities consistent with its age and hand-worked construction. The hinged lid remains present. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.