Indian Hand-Chased and Hammered Silver-Plated Decorative Tray or Bowl
Hollowware (Tray, Platter, or Decorative Bowl) · Unknown Indian artisanal maker, likely produced for export by a regional metalworking guild or workshop in Moradabad or Jaipur, India.
Pattern: Traditional Indo-Persian Floral Scroll and Chased Leaf Motif, modern export production style.
Type
Hollowware (Tray, Platter, or Decorative Bowl)
Maker
Unknown Indian artisanal maker, likely produced for export by a regional metalworking guild or workshop in Moradabad or Jaipur, India.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically brass, copper, or white metal/German silver alloy beneath the plating, indicated by typical export characteristics and visible wear).
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of approximately 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) with a relatively shallow depth of 2 inches, suitable for a decorative serving tray, centerpiece bowl, or wall hanging.
Description
A striking and richly decorated decorative hollowware piece of Indian origin, featuring a large circular tray or shallow bowl. The interior base is meticulously hand-hammered with a textured finish that contrasts sharply with the wide, opulent border. This border is densely packed with traditional chased and repoussé floral scrolls and arabesque leaf patterns reminiscent of Mughal design aesthetics. The piece exhibits a warm patina with areas of golden tarnish resting within the recessed details, giving it an antique appearance despite its mid-to-late 20th-century manufacture.
Key Features
Wide, heavily chased floral and scroll border; hand-hammered central medallion; contrasting textures between the reflective center and the matte/oxidized relief border; practical decorative tab handles.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically brass, copper, or white metal/German silver alloy beneath the plating, indicated by typical export characteristics and visible wear).
Finish & Decoration
Combination finish featuring a heavily hand-hammered (pecked) central well with a highly reflective surface, surrounded by a wide, elaborately repoussé and chased border featuring dense scrolling foliage, floral rosettes, and acanthus motifs. The raised elements catch the light with warm golden tarnish highlights.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Carries a small red and white paper export sticker reading "MADE IN INDIA", typical of mid-to-late 20th-century handicrafts imported for Western markets. No traditional precious metal hallmarks are present.
Construction Details
Formed by spinning or raising a sheet of base metal, followed by extensive manual chasing and repoussé work applied from the front and back to create the deep relief floral patterns. The central well displays rhythmic hand-hammering marks.
Functional Features
Features two small, decorative, shaped flat handles or tabs riveted or integrated into the rim, making it suitable for display as a centerpiece or decorative serving tray.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral or securely attached shaped tab handles mirroring the decorative border, finished with the same chased scrollwork and pierced detailing.
Craftsmanship Details
Demonstrates a blend of mechanical forming (for the base shape) and skilled manual labor (for the hammering, chasing, and repoussé border work), representing standard commercial export craftsmanship of high visual impact.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the paper "Made in India" sticker definitively identifies it as an import decorative piece rather than an antique sterling silver item. The lack of standard British, European, or American precious metal hallmarks confirms it is silver-plated base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in India, continuing centuries-old traditions of North Indian metalworking, particularly centers like Moradabad, known as the "Brass City" of India, which produces vast quantities of decorative metalware for global export.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century to Contemporary (circa 1970s-2000s export handicraft).
Age Estimate
Estimated circa 1970 to 1990, based on the style of the paper export label and the modern manufacturing techniques combined with traditional hand-detailing.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rich heritage of Indian metalworking traditions, specifically the continuation of intricate repoussé and chasing techniques passed down through generations of artisans, adapted for the international decorative arts market.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The piece shows moderate to heavy golden-yellow tarnish and natural patina consistent with age and exposure to air. The silver plating remains largely intact with minor surface micro-scratches from use and cleaning. The paper export label is still partially adhered to the center.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $100 USD, depending on the venue, decorative appeal, and exact weight and size, as these pieces are valued primarily for decorative and aesthetic appeal rather than precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and a mild silver polish specifically formulated for silver-plated items if tarnish reduction is desired. Avoid harsh dips that could strip the thin silver plating or damage the underlying base metal. Store in a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
Indo-Persian brass or silver-plated trays, Kashmiri engraved metalware, and Middle Eastern copper or brass chargers.
Interesting Facts
India has a centuries-long history of metalcraft, and cities like Moradabad became major global suppliers of decorative brass and silver-plated wares during the post-colonial export boom of the 20th century.