Modernist Hand-Hammered Thai Sterling Silver Globular Bowl / Jar
Hollowware - Small decorative bowl or condiment jar · Unknown Thai silversmith. The inscription features Thai script implying a local workshop rather than a global export brand like Tiffany. The mark includes the specific weight in grams, a common practice for independent Asian workshops.
Pattern: Hand-hammered Modernist style (Plain pattern). These pieces typically lack formal collection names, focusing on the organic texture of the metalwork.
Type
Hollowware - Small decorative bowl or condiment jar
Maker
Unknown Thai silversmith. The inscription features Thai script implying a local workshop rather than a global export brand like Tiffany. The mark includes the specific weight in grams, a common practice for independent Asian workshops.
Material
High-purity silver, likely Sterling Silver (.925) or higher (950-980), common in Southeast Asian hand-beaten silver. It consists of solid silver throughout without a base metal.
Dimensions
Approximately 5-6 cm in diameter. Weight is clearly marked as 11.64 grams, making it a very lightweight, thin-walled piece.
Description
A charming example of Thai Modernist silverwork, this small globular bowl features a fully planished surface. The tactile 'dimpled' texture highlights the manual labor involved in its creation. The spherical form is well-proportioned, and the metal exhibits a warm, age-appropriate patina. Its lightweight nature suggests it was intended as a decorative accessory or a small table condiment vessel.
Key Features
The most distinctive feature is the hand-hammered texture combined with the bilingual (Thai/English) weight stamp on the base, specific down to two decimal places.
Material & Composition
High-purity silver, likely Sterling Silver (.925) or higher (950-980), common in Southeast Asian hand-beaten silver. It consists of solid silver throughout without a base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Planished (hand-hammered) finish covering the entire exterior surface. The decoration relies on the light-catching facets created by the hammer strikes rather than engraved patterns. The interior appears smooth but unpolished.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraved or stamped bottom featuring Thai characters, the number '11.64' (likely denoting weight), and the word 'GRAM'. There is no formal assay office hallmark, which is replaced by the weight and a possible maker's shop stamp.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat circular sheet of silver. The planishing marks indicate the piece was formed over a stake. It is a single-piece construction without seams or soldered joins.
Functional Features
Spherical shape with an open top (implied). Designed for small spice service, as a salt cellar, or purely as a decorative miniature 'pot'.
Handle & Grip Details
None. This is a simple, handle-less globular form.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-raising. The uniformity of the sphere indicates a skilled smith. The wall thickness is consistent, and the stamping on the bottom, while simple, is clear and deeply impressed.
Authentication Indicators
The weight stamp '11.64 GRAM' is a strong indicator of regional authenticity; Thai silver is often sold by weight. The hammer marks are irregular, confirming hand-wrought construction rather than a machine-stamped faceted look.
Origin & Manufacturing
Thailand (likely Bangkok or Chiang Mai). Known for high-purity silver and a long tradition of hand-beating silver plates into spherical forms.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Mid-to-late 20th Century). This utilitarian yet artisan style fits into the 1960s-1980s period of Thai silver production for the tourism and export market.
Age Estimate
Latter half of the 20th century (c. 1970-1990). The use of 'GRAM' in English alongside Thai script suggests an item intended for a market exposed to Western shoppers or export standards.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of traditional Thai silversmithing into cleaner, modernist forms that appeal to global aesthetic tastes while retaining indigenous hand-crafting techniques.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There is minor surface tarnish and light 'pocket wear' or shelf wear on the bottom. No significant dents aside from the intentional hammer marks. The patina is slightly uneven, suggesting it has been handled recently.
Value Estimate
Market value is primarily based on silver weight and decorative appeal, typically ranging from $25 to $55 USD in a retail or antique mall setting.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for heavier tarnish, but avoid over-polishing the hammer marks to preserve the visual depth of the facets.
Similar Pieces
Similar to 'Lanna' style silver bowls from Northern Thailand or smaller Mexican modernist hammered bowls (though Mexican pieces will usually have a .925 or Eagle mark).
Interesting Facts
In Thailand, silver was historically used as currency and a store of family wealth. Small bowls like this were often kept as part of a larger 'betel nut' set or used for offering jasmine-scented water during festivals.