Mid-20th Century Middle Eastern Repoussé Vermeil Silver Small Bowl
Hollowware (Small Bowl / Individual Nut Dish) · Likely a specialized workshop in Isfahan, Persia (Iran) or Cairo, Egypt; non-industrial craftsman-made for the regional luxury market.
Pattern: Traditional Islamic / Middle Eastern figurals and calligraphy; no specific Western pattern name.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl / Individual Nut Dish)
Maker
Likely a specialized workshop in Isfahan, Persia (Iran) or Cairo, Egypt; non-industrial craftsman-made for the regional luxury market.
Material
800 to 900 silver-grade alloy (standard for regional silver) with heavy gold wash (vermeil) on the interior.
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 8–10 cm (3-4 inches); Height: 3-4 cm; Weight: estimated 60–90 grams.
Description
A stunning example of Middle Eastern silver craftsmanship, this small bowl features a luxurious gold-washed interior and a densely decorated exterior. The central medallion is inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, surrounded by a border of high-relief figures and foliage that captures the essence of regional folk art.
Key Features
Intricate repoussé work, high-contrast gold-on-silver (vermeil) interior, and a central calligraphic cartouche.
Material & Composition
800 to 900 silver-grade alloy (standard for regional silver) with heavy gold wash (vermeil) on the interior.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing featuring Arabic calligraphy and traditional folk or religious icons. Interior exhibits a bright gold vermeil finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped on the underside with Arabic numerical purity marks (e.g., ٨٠ or ٩٠) and a small maker's cartouche, or a 'cat' or 'lotus' mark if Egyptian.
Construction Details
Raised from a hand-hammered flat sheet; decorative elements applied via repoussé (punching from the back) and chasing (detailing from the front).
Functional Features
Wide rim for easy access; stable flat base; non-reactive gold-washed interior to prevent silver tarnish from acidic foods.
Handle & Grip Details
None; simple circular bowl form without handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chasing; the relief is deep and well-defined, indicating a skilled artisan rather than a modern mass-produced souvenir.
Authentication Indicators
Tool marks consistent with hand-chasing are visible within the design; hallmark punch placement on the bottom rim is typical for Persian or Egyptian silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Originating in the Middle East, likely Iran (Persia) or Egypt, following centuries-old metalworking traditions of the region.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII era, c. 1940-1970) exhibiting traditional Orientalist revival styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1965 based on the style of the vermeil application and the depth of the machine-assisted but hand-finished chasing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Bazaar' silversmithing tradition where silver served as both a functional object and a portable store of wealth for the owner.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the vermeil shows slight thinning at the center from use. The exterior silver has a warm patina with minimal compression to the structural walls.
Value Estimate
$150 – $350 USD depending on the specific weight and the clarity of the maker's hallmarks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft cloth and mild soap; avoid abrasive silver polishes on the interior to preserve the delicate gold wash.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Indian Kutch silver, which is typically higher relief but lacks the specific Arabic calligraphic center.
Interesting Facts
These bowls were often part of larger gift sets intended for hospitality, used to serve dates, nuts, or sweets to distinguished guests.