South Asian Chased Silver Repoussé Alms Bowl or Finger Bowl
Hollowware (Bowl) · Unknown Regional Silversmith, likely Indian or Southeast Asian (Thai/Burmese tradition). These pieces were traditionally produced in local craft workshops rather than industrial brands.
Pattern: Traditional Indo-Persian or Southeast Asian Foliate Pattern, featuring scrollwork, floral motifs, and geometric borders.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl)
Maker
Unknown Regional Silversmith, likely Indian or Southeast Asian (Thai/Burmese tradition). These pieces were traditionally produced in local craft workshops rather than industrial brands.
Material
Likely High-Grade Silver (ranging from .800 to .925 purity). These regional items are often solid silver but lacks Western 'Sterling' standardization unless produced for export.
Dimensions
Estimated Diameter: 10-14 cm (4-5.5 inches). Estimated Weight: 80-150 grams. This size is typical for an individual finger bowl or ceremonial vessel.
Description
This is a fine example of traditional hand-wrought silver hollowware. The bowl features intricate, deep-relief decoration typical of the 'Kutch' style from Western India or the elaborate 'Thai' silver tradition. The design is organized into concentric bands, with a scalloped edge that mirrors the floral rhythm of the chasing. It serves as a testament to the skill of regional smiths who used minimal tools to create complex three-dimensional textures.
Key Features
Scalloped rim; high-relief repoussé; stippled/textured background; geometric circular base framing; absence of machine-lathe marks.
Material & Composition
Likely High-Grade Silver (ranging from .800 to .925 purity). These regional items are often solid silver but lacks Western 'Sterling' standardization unless produced for export.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing. Features a scalloped rim, stippled background (matting), and repeating registers of floral scrollwork and architectural 'tumpal' or petal motifs. Style: Colonial-era South Asian/Indo-Saracenic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the underside of the base; often includes a maker's mark in local script or a purity stamp (e.g., 'T90', '800', or a peacock/flower symbol). The image shows a centralized circular medallion on the bottom which likely contains the mark.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of silver. The complex patterns are achieved through chasing (working from the front) and repoussé (punching from the back). The scalloped rim is hand-cut and filed.
Functional Features
Planar bottom for stability; deep well for holding water or offerings; flaring rim for easy handling and aesthetic display.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Handleless bowl design). The textured exterior decoration provides a natural non-slip grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-work. The 'matting' (small dots between flowers) is done one punch at a time to create contrast. The symmetry maintained across the scalloped rim without modern machinery is a sign of a skilled craftsman.
Authentication Indicators
The soft, irregular edges of the chasing indicate hand-work rather than die-stamping. The wear on the raised highlights of the relief suggests authentic age/use.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: Likely India (Kutch or Madras regions) or Thailand/Burma. These regions are world-renowned for high-relief silver chasing and repoussé techniques.
Era & Period
Late 19th to Mid-20th Century (Colonial/Post-Colonial Period). The style bridges traditional ethnic metalwork with the increased production for the tourist and export market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1950. The vibrancy of the polish and the specific repeating patterns suggest a mid-20th-century piece following late Victorian-era influences.
Cultural Significance
These bowls represent the intersection of indigenous craftsmanship and the global silver trade. They were often purchased by travelers as 'souvenir silver,' becoming prized possessions in Western homes during the early 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver shows a bright polish with light surface scratches (swirl marks) consistent with cleaning. No significant dents or structural cracks visible in the photo. Tarnish is minimal in the recessed areas, which helps highlight the detail.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD. Value depends heavily on the total gram weight, the specific purity of the silver (if stamped), and the complexity of the repoussé work.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the deep crevices of the chasing. Avoid aggressive dipping solutions that can strip the natural patina in the details; use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream.
Similar Pieces
Kutch Silver Bowls (usually more zoomed-in animal motifs), Burmese Thabeik Bowls (usually deeper with human figures), and Thai 'Lotus' bowls (similar scalloped edges but different floral stylization).
Interesting Facts
In many South Asian cultures, such silver bowls were used for 'Lota' ceremonies, as alms bowls for monks, or high-status dining accessories introduced during the British Raj to serve as finger bowls.