Antique mid to late 19th century Anglo-Indian Swami Madras silver parasol handle

A lovely and substantial antique mid to late 19th century Anglo-Indian Swami silver parasol handle. This particular style is often referred to as Swami ware, and generally originates from the Madras region of India. Antique Indian silver is characterised by its intricate repousse work, which was a painstaking process which required both time and skill. Swami ware is distinguished by its depictions of deities in varying poses which here can be seen through the stem of this umbrella. While unmarked, this is made from high-grade silver, likely .800 to .900 silver purity.

This is a handle of unusual size, and may have belonged to a processional piece which would have been carried by servants to shade members of upper classes from the Indian sun. Such parasols would have been large enough to shade at least one person, possibly upon a sedan, and would have been a substantial yet necessary expense to indicate one’s status.

Price marked at $1500 AUD.
Measurements: 45cm length, 217 grams total weight.
Excellent condition overall; light wear commensurate with age, one small split where this would have originally attached to a handle. Still displays excellently.