Thai Repoussé Silver Pedestal or Offering Bowl
Hollowware (Offering Bowl / Khan) · Unidentified Southeast Asian silversmith; typical of traditional workshops in Chiang Mai, Thailand or Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar). Such pieces are usually produced by individual artisans rather than major western brands.
Pattern: Traditional 'Lanna' or 'Thepanom' style floral and foliate scrolling pattern; non-cataloged artisan production.
Type
Hollowware (Offering Bowl / Khan)
Maker
Unidentified Southeast Asian silversmith; typical of traditional workshops in Chiang Mai, Thailand or Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar). Such pieces are usually produced by individual artisans rather than major western brands.
Material
Likely high-grade silver, typically ranging from .800 to .925 (Sterling) purity; often hammered from solid silver sheets without a base metal core.
Dimensions
Diameter: approx. 3-4 inches; Height: approx. 2 inches. Estimated weight: 60-120 grams depending on silver thickness.
Description
A fine example of Southeast Asian silver craftsmanship, this bowl features incredibly dense and intricate hand-hammered decoration. The exterior is alive with traditional scrolling motifs that wrap around the circumference in a continuous frieze, reflecting the high value placed on ornate silver in Buddhist culture.
Key Features
Deep high-relief repoussé work; traditional foliate scrolling; hammered interior texture where tools shaped the metal outward.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade silver, typically ranging from .800 to .925 (Sterling) purity; often hammered from solid silver sheets without a base metal core.
Finish & Decoration
Heavy repoussé and chasing featuring high-relief 'Kranok' (flame-like) foliate scrolls and traditional mythological figures or floral bands; oxidized recesses to enhance detail with a polished rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually unmarked or features a small punch on the exterior base with a percentage (e.g., '90%') or a maker's symbol in Thai/Burmese script. No visible western hallmarks.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat circular disc of silver; the decoration is achieved by 'chasing' from the front and 'repoussé' (pushing) from the back against a pitch bowl.
Functional Features
Open bowl design intended for ceremonial water pouring, flower offerings, or as a decorative 'Khan' bowl. No mechanical parts.
Handle & Grip Details
None; designed as a handheld vessel or for placement on a pedestal (Phan).
Craftsmanship Details
High-level hand-wrought craftsmanship; the depth of the relief work indicates a skilled silversmith who spent many hours on the chasing process.
Authentication Indicators
Hand-hammered tool marks on the interior (matching the exterior relief) prove this is not a cast reproduction. Softness of tarnish is consistent with .800-.900 silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Thailand (likely Chiang Mai) or Myanmar (Burma). These regions are world-renowned for high-relief repoussé silver work.
Era & Period
Modern Traditional (mid-20th century to present); follows centuries-old Southeast Asian metalworking traditions influenced by Buddhist iconography.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980. The style is classic, but the crispness of the edges and lack of deep antique patina suggest a mid-to-late 20th-century manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Silver was historically a primary form of wealth storage in Southeast Asia; owning such intricately worked vessels indicated high social status and merit.
Condition Notes
Very Good; light surface tarnish and minor 'bruising' (small indentations) consistent with soft, high-purity silver. The rim remains circular without major warping.
Value Estimate
$100 - $250 USD depending on exact silver weight and purity verification.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use a very soft horsehair brush to remove dust from deep crevices. Avoid heavy polishing pastes that can clog the intricate relief.
Similar Pieces
Burmese 'Thabeik' bowls (usually deeper with human figures) or Cambodian silver pumpkins; differs from Western silver by the lack of structured hallmarks and the 'all-over' density of decoration.
Interesting Facts
In Thai culture, these bowls were traditionally used in the Songkran festival for sprinkling lustral water on elders for blessings.