Indian Hand-Chased and Hammered Silver Plated Decorative Tray or Bowl with Handles
Hollowware (Decorative Tray, Basin, or Shallow Bowl) · Unidentified Indian Artisan / Export Workshop (indicated by 'MADE IN INDIA' export sticker)
Pattern: Traditional Indo-Persian Floral Scroll and Hammered Center Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Decorative Tray, Basin, or Shallow Bowl)
Maker
Unidentified Indian Artisan / Export Workshop (indicated by 'MADE IN INDIA' export sticker)
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically brass, copper, or white metal / nickel silver alloy underneath, as is common with Indian export decorative items)
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of approximately 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 inches) with a depth of about 6 to 8 cm. Weight is moderate, typical of a brass or alloy base silver-plated vessel rather than solid sterling silver.
Description
This is a visually striking decorative hollowware piece of Indian origin, featuring a wide, shallow circular basin with an emphatic hand-hammered center. The sloping, broad rim is densely covered in a chased and repoussé floral scroll pattern, reminiscent of traditional Indo-Persian metalwork. Three ornate handle tabs extend outward from the rim. The piece combines functional vessel utility with rich decorative surface texture, catching the light dynamically across its silver-plated surfaces.
Key Features
Distinct hand-hammered center contrasting with highly detailed, dense floral and vine chasing on the rim; presence of three balanced rim tabs/handles; classic export decorative aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically brass, copper, or white metal / nickel silver alloy underneath, as is common with Indian export decorative items)
Finish & Decoration
Combination of hand-hammered center well and heavily chased/repoussé floral scrollwork and acanthus motifs along the sloping rim. Features bright highlights and an antiqued or oxidized background to accentuate the embossed relief work.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No traditional hallmarks visible; bears a modern small round paper export sticker reading 'MADE IN INDIA' in the center.
Construction Details
Likely machine-spun or hand-raised base metal body featuring hand-hammering in the interior floor and extensive hand-chasing or tool-stamping along the wide rim. Handles are soldered or cast and riveted/soldered to the exterior rim.
Functional Features
Features three decorative or suspension handles/tabs along the rim, which may allow for hanging as a wall plaque or use as a serving centerpiece, decorative bowl, or tray.
Handle & Grip Details
Three distinct, ornately shaped triangular or scroll-like tabs extending from the rim, integrated into the decorative scheme, matching the silver-plated finish of the body.
Craftsmanship Details
A hybrid of industrial base shaping (spinning/forming) and traditional manual ornamentation (hand-hammering and tool chasing). While not fine silversmithing, it demonstrates skilled artisan labor in surface decoration.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the paper 'MADE IN INDIA' label clearly identifies it as a modern export decorative item rather than an antique museum-piece or British colonial-era silver artifact. Lacks standard silver purity hallmarks (like .925 or sterling), confirming silver-plated alloy composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in India, leveraging traditional handicraft centers known for brassware, copperware, and metal plating such as Moradabad or Jaipur.
Era & Period
Modern export decorative craft (late 20th to early 21st century), though executed in traditional revivalist Orientalist and Mughal design styles.
Age Estimate
Late 20th Century (c. 1970–2000s), indicated by the modern adhesive export country-of-origin label.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the global trade in decorative handicrafts and the enduring appeal of intricate, maximalist Orientalist and traditional South Asian design motifs in Western interior design.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition with moderate tarnish, developing a golden-yellow patina in areas where the underlying base metal (brass/copper alloy) is beginning to show through the thin silver plating. The interior center retains a visible round 'MADE IN INDIA' paper label. No major structural dents or splits visible.
Value Estimate
Modest decorative market value, typically ranging from $25 to $75 USD depending on venue, condition, and appeal to buyers of global home decor.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soapy water to preserve the delicate silver plating. Avoid aggressive chemical dips or heavy abrasive silver polishes, which will rapidly strip away the thin silver plating and expose the brass base metal.
Similar Pieces
Indo-Persian brass and silver-plated trays, Moradabad decorative chargers, and Middle Eastern engraved metal basins.
Interesting Facts
India has a centuries-long history of metalworking, and post-independence export markets popularized the production of heavily chased, traditional-looking silver-plated brass items for international home decor markets.