Southeast Asian Repoussé Gilt Silver or Brass Presentation Charger
Hollowware (Charger / Decorative Platter) · Unknown regional artisan workshop, likely Thai (Siam) or Khmer. These items were traditionally produced by specialized guilds rather than western-style branded manufacturers.
Pattern: Traditional Floral and Foliate Arabesque with 'Lai Thai' influenced geometry. Not a mass-produced commercial pattern.
Type
Hollowware (Charger / Decorative Platter)
Maker
Unknown regional artisan workshop, likely Thai (Siam) or Khmer. These items were traditionally produced by specialized guilds rather than western-style branded manufacturers.
Material
Likely low-grade silver (approx. 600-800 fineness) or yellow brass/bronze with a heavy gold wash (vermeil/gilt). The oxidation in the recessed areas suggests a base metal that reacts to sulfur or air, common in regional alloy mixtures.
Dimensions
Estimated 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) in diameter. Likely weights between 400 and 700 grams depending on metal thickness.
Description
An ornate Southeast Asian presentation plaque featuring deeply chased floral scrolls. The piece exhibits a high degree of contrast between the raised golden highlights and the dark, recessed patina of the background. The central mandala-like flower radiates into symmetrical segments, separated by zig-zag borders that give the piece a vibrant, energetic aesthetic.
Key Features
Scalloped 'pie-crust' rim; interlocking floral vine work; high-contrast antiqued background; symmetrical radial composition.
Material & Composition
Likely low-grade silver (approx. 600-800 fineness) or yellow brass/bronze with a heavy gold wash (vermeil/gilt). The oxidation in the recessed areas suggests a base metal that reacts to sulfur or air, common in regional alloy mixtures.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-chased and repoussé decoration with acid-etched or blackened niello-style background contrast. Features a central lotus-inspired rosette, scrolling acanthus-like leaves, and geometric chevron dividers. The surface is heavily gilded (gold-plated).
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Regional Southeast Asian pieces from the early-to-mid 20th century are frequently unmarked or bear a simple numerical fineness stamp on the reverse (e.g., '90' or 'Thai Silver').
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet. The decorative motifs are achieved through chasing (working from the front) and repoussé (punching from the back). The wavy, scalloped edge is hand-crimped.
Functional Features
Purely decorative or ceremonial. The shallow depth and elaborate surface make it unsuitable for acidic foods which would damage the gilding.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld charger form with a slightly raised rim for grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-work in the micro-texturing of the 'ground' and the slight asymmetry of the floral petals, indicating a skilled artisan's manual execution rather than a die-stamped process.
Authentication Indicators
Irregularities in the hand-punched background texture confirm manual rather than machine production. The depth of the relief is characteristic of regional hand-beating techniques.
Origin & Manufacturing
Thailand (Bangkok) or Cambodia. Produced in local metalworking districts known for 'Nielloware' or 'Repoussé silver' traditions.
Era & Period
20th Century (likely Art Deco-influenced Regionalism, c. 1930s-1960s). It blends traditional Buddhist motifs with a structured, geometric layout popular in the mid-century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960 based on the crispness of the geometric dividers and the type of gilding wear.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of status and hospitality in Southeast Asian households, reflecting a centuries-old tradition of metalwork that survived the transition into the modern tourist and export era.
Condition Notes
Good; visible wear to the gilding on the high points of the repoussé. Minor tarnishing and surface scratches consistent with age. Metal shows some possible 'bleeding' of base copper through the silver/gold layer.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD depending on verified metal content (silver vs brass) and specific provenance.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with warm soapy water only. Do not use abrasive silver polishes or chemicals, as they will strip the thin gold gilding (gold wash) from the surface.
Similar Pieces
Thai Nielloware plates (usually silver/black only), Burmese 'Dha' style silver trays (usually higher relief animals), and Indian 'Swami' silver.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often given as diplomatic gifts or merit-making offerings in Buddhist cultures. The lotus center represents purity and enlightenment.