Parcel-Gilt Etched Silver Plate with Floral Arabesque Pattern
Hollowware (Decorative Plate/Charger) · Indeterminate; style suggests Middle Eastern or Mediterranean artisan workshop (possibly Egyptian or Turkish), following traditional Damascened or etched metalwork lineages.
Pattern: Floral Arabesque with Scalloped Rim; traditional pattern, non-commercial production series.
Type
Hollowware (Decorative Plate/Charger)
Maker
Indeterminate; style suggests Middle Eastern or Mediterranean artisan workshop (possibly Egyptian or Turkish), following traditional Damascened or etched metalwork lineages.
Material
Likely silver-plated brass or a low-grade silver alloy (800 or 900) with selective gilding (Vermeil). Surface reveals brassy yellow base metal through wear.
Dimensions
Estimated 20-30 cm in diameter; weight likely between 300-600 grams depending on base metal thickness.
Description
An ornate decorative plate featuring a high-contrast parcel-gilt finish. The central field is dominated by a multi-petaled rosette radiating into symmetrical floral sprays and leafy scrolls. The etched ground provides a matte grey texture that makes the polished gold-toned raised elements pop. The rim is finished with a rhythmic scalloped edge, providing a tactile and visual border to the busy interior composition.
Key Features
Two-tone parcel gilding, chemical etching ground for texture, scalloped rim, and a densley packed floral layout.
Material & Composition
Likely silver-plated brass or a low-grade silver alloy (800 or 900) with selective gilding (Vermeil). Surface reveals brassy yellow base metal through wear.
Finish & Decoration
Parcel-gilt finish with acid etching and manual chasing. Features a central floral rosette surrounded by acanthus leaves and scrolling vines in a Rococo-influenced Arabesque style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Such pieces often lack standard Western hallmarks, sometimes carrying small Arabic script silver marks or 'tughras' on the reverse.
Construction Details
Spun or die-pressed base form with subsequent chemical etching and hand-chasing. Edge is scalloped/crimped.
Functional Features
Decorative display piece; scalloped rim facilitates use as a shallow bowl or underplate.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld rim design.
Craftsmanship Details
Artisan-level execution. The etching is clean, but the density of the pattern suggests a stencil or acid-resist process rather than deep hand-engraving with a burin.
Authentication Indicators
The 'brassy' look in worn areas indicates it is likely a plated base metal rather than solid sterling silver. Lack of standard assay marks supports an artisan or tourist-trade origin.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin likely Middle East (Egypt, Syria, or Turkey). These regions are known for 'souvenier' quality etched metalware using high-contrast plating.
Era & Period
Modern Traditional (late 20th century). While the style is Neoclassical/Rococo, the execution techniques suggest contemporary artisan production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-2000; based on the wear patterns and modern etching techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the continuation of Islamic and Mediterranean metalworking traditions adapted for the global giftware and tourism market, emphasizing visual opulence over metal purity.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant wear to the plating is visible ('bleeding'), where the silver/gold finish is thinning to reveal the base metal. Scuffing and minor surface scratches present throughout.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD; primary value is decorative rather than intrinsic metal weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid abrasive silver polishes as the plating is already thin and will strip away to reveal the yellow base metal.
Similar Pieces
Damascene plates from Toledo (Spain), Egyptian silver-on-brass etched chargers, or mass-produced brass 'Tavern' plates.
Interesting Facts
Pieces like this are often referred to as 'Cairo Ware' when they features mixed-metal inlays, though this specific piece uses plating and etching to achieve a similar high-status look at a lower cost.