Auctioneer Mallika Sagar takes you through pieces of Jejeebhoy's silverware

Auctioneer Mallika Sagar shows Jejeebhoy's silver collection. Pic/Dattaâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Kumbhar

The glint of sterling silver welcomes us as we set foot inside Pundole's. With candelabras, wine holders and sauce boats spread on a teak Art Deco table, it would seem like the auction house, located in Ballard Estate, has been prepped for a royal reception. Whether you are nobility or just history buffs like us, the incandescent crockery and ceremonial ware should hold your attention. Being offered as part of Pundole's decorative arts sale, the silverware comes with a prestigious tag associated with Mumbai's cultural and commercial history - Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy.

Jejeebhoy, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is a man whose name - often initialised as JJ - is inscribed all across the city. The youngest of five children, Jejeebhoy came from a highly-respected, middle-class family of weavers from the coastal town of Navsari in Gujarat and became one of the leading names in the city's trade and commerce establishments in the 18th century. This is the first time that possessions belonging to Jejeebhoy and his successors have come on offer at Pundole's. The sale, set to take place on September 21, will also offer three more collections, belonging to the estate of the late Laura Hamilton, the collection of the late Farida Hoosenally (the Art Deco table belongs here) and the Roshan Sabavala collection.

As Mallika Sagar, auctioneer at Pundole's and their specialist in Modern and Contemporary Indian art, walks us through some of the pieces, we are drawn to two large candelabras. The ornate Victorian pieces, like the other pieces in the auction, bear the hallmarks of the British silversmiths, Mortimer & Hunt. Sagar says that Jejeebhoy probably commissioned hallmarked pieces and was also gifted commemorative ones by different British businessmen that he had collaborated with for his trading business.

A candelabra with bull detailing Pics/Pundole's

"The competitive English silversmiths vied with each other to show that they weren't just skilled in producing pieces with typically Western motifs, but could just as easily add traditionally Indian elements," says Sagar. While the candelabras have detailed Western motifs, such as acanthus leaves and hounds, they elegantly incorporate Indian motifs also. Bulls and elephants make an appearance alongside foliage inspired by banana plants and palm fronds. The motif that dominates the collection is the peacock.

By this time, Dadiba Pundole, who heads the auction house, joins us and says, "The British craftsmen could have also been drawn to the exoticism of Indian motifs. The British posted in India were familiar with the Indian terrain and were able to convey their knowledge to the silversmiths." Pundole confesses that he is fascinated by the story of Jejeebhoy, who was born with no silver spoon in his mouth, and suffered many a financial setback in his lifetime, only to rise again undefeated and stronger than ever.

While the more resplendent could cause a dent in your wallet, Sagar assures that there is something for everyone. "Silver pieces like these need not be need not be a thing of the past, but can be used even in today's contemporary homes. Whether you have a glass table with chrome chairs or a traditional oak table with leather chairs, having one or two of these accent pieces can lift any setting," she says. That, and having history at your table.

Viewings: September 16 - 19, 11 AM - 7.30 PM; September 20, 11 AM - 3 PM
Auction: September 21, 11.30 AM (Session 1) and 7 pm (Session 2)
WHERE: Pundole's, Hamilton House,
JN Heredia Marg, Ballard Estate
Browse the catalogue at: www.pundoles.com