Middle Eastern Hand-Chased Brass or Tinned-Copper Wall Platter
Hollowware (Decorative Wall Platter/Tray) · Artisan Workshop, likely Egyptian or Syrian. The piece features an Arabic maker's stamp commonly found in traditional bazaar workshops rather than a global commercial brand.
Pattern: Traditional Islamic Geometric and Calligraphic Folk Pattern. These are typically non-commercial, unique designs following regional artistic traditions.
Type
Hollowware (Decorative Wall Platter/Tray)
Maker
Artisan Workshop, likely Egyptian or Syrian. The piece features an Arabic maker's stamp commonly found in traditional bazaar workshops rather than a global commercial brand.
Material
Brass or Tinned Copper. Note: This item is not solid silver. It is a copper-based alloy. The yellowish hue indicates brass, while reddish spots suggest copper that may have once had a thin 'tinning' or silver-wash finish that has worn away.
Dimensions
Approximately 30-45 cm in diameter. Estimated weight is 800-1500 grams depending on the gauge of the metal sheet.
Description
A traditional handcrafted metal platter featuring extensive hand-chasing. The reverse reveals the manual labor involved in its creation, showing hammer marks and a workshop stamp in Arabic. While it lacks silver content, it represents a significant craft tradition of the Arab world, often used as decorative wall art or as the centerpiece of a social tea setting.
Key Features
Hand-stamped Arabic maker's mark; soldered mounting ring; heavy oxidation/patina; hand-hammered texture (planishing marks).
Material & Composition
Brass or Tinned Copper. Note: This item is not solid silver. It is a copper-based alloy. The yellowish hue indicates brass, while reddish spots suggest copper that may have once had a thin 'tinning' or silver-wash finish that has worn away.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-chased and engraved decorative surface. The underside shows a natural aged patina with oxidation spots. The top (not fully visible) likely features intricate scrollwork, geometric stars, or Arabic calligraphy in a Mamluk or Ottoman revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Arabic Workshop Stamp. The center-left mark identifies the maker or city of origin in Arabic script. Unlike European silver hallmarks, these indicate the artisan's guarantee rather than a regulated silver purity standard.
Construction Details
Hand-hammered and raised from a single metal sheet. Evidence of handwork includes the irregular surface on the reverse and the application of a small hanging ring soldered to the top edge.
Functional Features
Soldered hanging loop for wall display; shallow rim to allow use as a serving tray or table topper in traditional folding 'tray table' stands.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles. Features a simple wire hanging ring crudely soldered to the reverse for vertical display.
Craftsmanship Details
Genuine hand-wrought craftsmanship. The irregular striking of the maker's stamp and the manual solder joints indicate a traditional artisan's hand rather than a factory machine.
Authentication Indicators
The Arabic stamp is authentic to the region; the soldering of the ring is consistent with indigenous workshop techniques; the wear pattern confirms it is a base metal rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Middle East, most likely Cairo (Egypt) or Damascus (Syria). These cities have historically been the hubs for high-quality chased metalwork.
Era & Period
20th Century Middle Eastern Revival (likely 1940s-1970s). It reflects long-standing design traditions used in the Levant and North Africa for the tourist and export market.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950-1970. The style of the stamp and the oxidation patterns are consistent with this period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Souq' (marketplace) craft culture. These items were essential for hospitality rituals, serving as portable tables for tea and coffee service.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface oxidation, tarnish, and 'pitting' common in copper-alloy pieces. The metal shows circular scratches and some verdigris (green corrosion) may be present in crevices.
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD. Value is based on decorative appeal and size rather than metal weight, as it contains no precious silver.
Care & Maintenance
Do not treat as silver. Use a brass/copper cleaner like Brasso or a mixture of lemon and salt if a bright finish is desired. Store in a dry environment to prevent further pitting and green corrosion.
Similar Pieces
Tinned Copper 'Sini' trays or brass 'Dalluh' accompaniment trays. Often confused with silver, but distinguished by the yellow/red base metal color appearing through the wear.
Interesting Facts
These trays were often the primary decorative focus in homes throughout the Middle East and were frequently sold to travelers as 'Grand Tour' souvenirs in the mid-century era.