Indian Colonial Repoussé Sterling Silver Compartmentalized Relish Plate
Hollowware (Platter/Tray/Compartmentalized Dish) · Unmarked Traditional Indian Silversmith (likely regional artisan from Cuttack, Lucknow, or Kashmir)
Pattern: Traditional Floral and Scroll Repoussé Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Platter/Tray/Compartmentalized Dish)
Maker
Unmarked Traditional Indian Silversmith (likely regional artisan from Cuttack, Lucknow, or Kashmir)
Material
Tested high-grade silver, likely .925 sterling or Indian standard silver (.900+), solid silver construction without base metal core
Dimensions
Estimated diameter approximately 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches); estimated weight around 600 to 800 grams
Description
An exquisite circular silver serving dish deeply worked with intricate repoussé and chasing. The broad rim is divided into multiple radiating compartments, each densely decorated with stylized floral sprays, scrolling foliage, and traditional Indian motifs. The central depressed roundel echoes the surrounding floral theme in a harmonious medallion. The scalloped rim finishes the piece with elegant complexity, showcasing exceptional manual dexterity and artistic vision.
Key Features
Divided compartmental layout, deep multi-layered repoussé relief work, highly symmetrical floral and foliate design vocabulary, scalloped border
Material & Composition
Tested high-grade silver, likely .925 sterling or Indian standard silver (.900+), solid silver construction without base metal core
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish highlights with darkened recessed areas to accentuate repoussé and chased work, featuring distinct floral motifs, symmetrical feathered scrollwork, and partitioned compartments radiating from a central medallion
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible Western hallmarks or stamps; typical of unmarked traditional South Asian export and domestic silver work of the period
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a heavy gauge sheet of silver, worked extensively in repoussé and chasing from the reverse and front sides, featuring partitioned raised ridges to create separate sections
Functional Features
Divided circular platter design intended for serving multiple condiments, relishes, appetizers, or sweets simultaneously
Handle & Grip Details
Rimless low-profile circular form with a scalloped edge, designed to be picked up by the outer rim or placed directly on a dining table or pedestal
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-wrought execution demonstrating mastery of repoussé (pushing metal out from the back) and chasing (detailing from the front), with consistent wall thickness and well-defined structural partitions
Authentication Indicators
Irregularities in the hand-hammered background and slight variations in the repoussé motifs confirm human craftsmanship rather than modern machine stamping; typical lack of Western hallmarks points directly to traditional Indian workshops
Origin & Manufacturing
Handcrafted in India, representing the rich regional traditions of South Asian silversmithing heavily influenced by export demands during the British Raj
Era & Period
British Colonial Period / Late Victorian to Edwardian Era (c. 1880-1910)
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1920 based on style, heavy use of traditional repoussé, and patination patterns
Cultural Significance
Reflects the complex cultural exchange of the British Raj period, where traditional Indian metalworking skills were adapted to suit Western entertaining customs and global Victorian tastes
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with expected minor surface scratches, polishing residue in deep recesses, and a warm natural patina; structural integrity is sound with no major dents or splits
Value Estimate
Estimated market value between $400 to $900 USD depending on exact silver weight, provenance, and current collector demand for Anglo-Indian silver
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild soapy water to remove dust from crevices; use a liquid silver polish sparingly without aggressive rubbing to preserve the dark antiqued contrast in the recessed design
Similar Pieces
Indian Cuttack silver trays, Burmese embossed silver bowls, and Middle Eastern repoussé platters
Interesting Facts
Silverware from this era produced in the Indian subcontinent was frequently commissioned by British expatriates or exported through high-end London retailers, blending indigenous artisan techniques with Western dining forms like relish and hors d'oeuvre dishes