Conch Shell-Cutter by Solvyns
by Francois-Balthazar Solvyns (1760-1824)
Original coloured etching
from Les Hindous
Pub. Paris
Solvyns’ portrayal of a craftsman wielding the distinctive sankha-karat saw, encapsulates the specialised craftsmanship of the Sakhari caste of conch shell bangles cutters in Calcutta. Occupying their own neighborhood, or tola, within the city, Sakhari artisans use the three-foot-long crescent-shaped saw to intricately cut and shape conch shells. Utilising an iron saw without teeth, akin to those used for marble, the craftsman achieves precise cuts through sustained friction, anchoring the shell between his feet for stability, as depicted in the background. Following cutting, the shells undergo refinement through rubbing against a hard stone with sand and water to ensure smooth surfaces. Subsequently, the rings are meticulously adjusted, adorned with red gum or wax to conceal joints, and polished or engraved as required, culminating in the creation of finished bangles. These red conch shell bangles symbolise marriage for Bengali women of “respectable castes,” akin to the red streak in their hair part, and are preferred over glass and metal alternatives.
Frans Balthazar Solvyns, was a skilled engraver and painter hailing from Antwerp, embarked on a transformative journey to India in 1790. Settling in Calcutta, Solvyns immersed himself in the intricacies of Indian life, studying Hindi and forging relationships with Brahmins and pundits. Inspired by his surroundings, he commenced his ambitious project in 1791, aiming to depict the diverse facets of Indian society, from occupations to customs which he published in a series of engravings. Despite its sensitive portrayal, the venture encountered little success initially, prompting Solvyns’ departure from India in 1803. However, his legacy endured through subsequent publications, notably “The Costume of Hindoostan” and the expanded edition of “Les Hindous,” offering an intimate and detailed glimpse into 18th-century Indian life across professions, festivals, and daily rituals, immortalising a unique historical moment with both reverence and curiosity.
Image Size (cms): 35(H) x 24(W)
Image Size (inches): 14(H) x 9.5(W)
Mount Size (cms): 51(H) x 41(W)
Mount Size (inches): 20(H) x 16(W)
