Tarnished Brass or Bronze Miniature Cup on Pedestal Foot
Decorative Object / Miniature Hollowware · Unidentified; likely an artisan workshop or souvenir manufacturer. The lack of distinct branding suggests a mass-produced or regional folk-art origin.
Pattern: Non-patterned; utilitarian flared rim design with incised concentric rings on the body and base.
Type
Decorative Object / Miniature Hollowware
Maker
Unidentified; likely an artisan workshop or souvenir manufacturer. The lack of distinct branding suggests a mass-produced or regional folk-art origin.
Material
Brass or Bronze alloy. The yellow-gold hue visible beneath deep brown tarnish and the presence of greenish verdigris points to a copper-based alloy (brass/bronze) rather than sterling silver or silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) with a rim diameter of approximately 2 inches. Estimated weight is 50–100 grams due to the density of copper alloys.
Description
A small, flared miniature cup or chalice constructed from a copper-based alloy. The piece features a wide, trumpet-like rim and a tapered body decorated with subtle horizontal grooves. It stands on a short stem and a stepped circular foot. The surface is heavily darkened by oxidation, hiding the original bright metallic luster of the brass.
Key Features
Concentric lathe-turned lines, flared rim, pedestal base, and heavy natural patina.
Material & Composition
Brass or Bronze alloy. The yellow-gold hue visible beneath deep brown tarnish and the presence of greenish verdigris points to a copper-based alloy (brass/bronze) rather than sterling silver or silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and heavily patinated. Decoration consists of simple lathe-turned horizontal incised lines around the midsection of the bowl and the circular foot. No engraving or repoussé is present.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Base metals like brass often lack the rigorous hallmarking systems required for precious metals like silver.
Construction Details
Lathe-turned or cast. The concentric rings suggest the piece was finished on a lathe. The pedestal appears to be joined to the bowl with a simple solder or may be cast as a single unit with the stem.
Functional Features
Flared rim for easy pouring or drinking; stable pedestal base. Function is likely souvenir, decorative, or for ritual use such as a miniature chalice.
Handle & Grip Details
None; stem-and-foot design intended to be held by the base or the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Low to moderate quality; evidence of machine lathe work with minor irregularities in the depth of the incised rings.
Authentication Indicators
The warm yellow undertone and dark brown/black oxidation are key indicators that this is brass rather than silver. Silver tarnish is typically black/gray and doesn't reveal a golden yellow metal underneath.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in India or Pakistan, which are major centers for turned brass decorative items intended for the export market.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (likely 1970s–present). This style is common in mid-to-late 20th-century decorative brassware imported from India, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960–1990 based on the style of lathe turning and the type of oxidation present.
Cultural Significance
Represents the global trade in handcrafted metalwork from South Asia, often used in home altars or as simple decorative trinkets.
Condition Notes
Fair. The item shows heavy oxidation, surface pitting, and dark tarnish spots. Significant cleaning with a brass restorer would be required to return it to a polished state.
Value Estimate
$5.00 – $15.00 USD. Value is nominal as it is a common decorative base-metal object.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a specialized brass cleaner like Brasso or a mixture of lemon and baking soda. Avoid abrasive pads which can scratch the soft alloy.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver egg cups or silver-plated liqueurs. Silver equivalents would bear '925' or 'EPNS' marks and show a cooler-toned gray tarnish.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were extremely popular as 'Aladdin-style' home decor in Western households during the 1970s brass craze.