A gold, polychrome enamelled and gem-set parrot-form flask (chuski) on a branch, North India, 19th century

the parrot perched on a lavender-coloured forked branch, decorated with translucent emerald green and red enamel on a chased feather-like chevron ground, with faceted gem-set collar and border around wings, a lotus blossom in its beak and seed-pearl chain stopper, with crest-form screw-on cover

In good overall condition, the enamel very bright, parrot slightly loose on branch (attached with feet), a very minor tear in gold on small section of branch, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This parrot, which at first appears to be a purely decorative enamelled bird is actually a flask (chuski). It can be filled through the head which opens by turning the crest and drunk from the lotus bulb which it holds in its beak by removing the stopper that is attached by a seed-pearl chain. The drink could be either wine or liquid opium or bhang. Such a chuski may be placed discreetly amongst other purely ornamental enamelled birds as were fashionable at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth centuries, and it could be intermittently sipped from as only the chain would indicate that this bird was in fact a bottle.