Persian Qajar Style Repoussé and Chased Silver Platter
Hollowware (Serving Platter/Tray) · Unknown Persian (Iranian) silversmith, likely from the Isfahan workshop tradition known for 'Ghalam-Zani' artistry.
Pattern: Traditional Persian Animal and Floral Motif, featuring stylized birds (likely Simurgh or Nightingales) and floral cartouches.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Platter/Tray)
Maker
Unknown Persian (Iranian) silversmith, likely from the Isfahan workshop tradition known for 'Ghalam-Zani' artistry.
Material
High-grade silver (likely 84 Zolotnik or .875 to .900 purity), typically worked over a pitch-filled base during the hammering process.
Dimensions
Estimated 35-45 cm in diameter; weight is likely substantial due to the heavy gauge required for high-relief repoussé, approximately 800-1200 grams.
Description
An opulent example of Persian silverwork, this platter showcases the dramatic play of light across hand-hammered surfaces and deep-relief carving. The border is a masterclass in 'Ghalam-Zani', featuring rhythmic repetitions of stylized birds nestled among floral blossoms, all contained within a heavily scalloped and gadrooned edge that provides a sense of perpetual motion.
Key Features
Deeply recessed 'eye' motifs on the bird figures, pounced/dotted background texture for contrast, and the contrast between the mirror-polished wells and the oxidized decorative border.
Material & Composition
High-grade silver (likely 84 Zolotnik or .875 to .900 purity), typically worked over a pitch-filled base during the hammering process.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé, deep chasing, and stippled background (pouncing). Features hand-hammered finish in the wells, scalloped borders, and stylized avian figures with floral engraved accents.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image; however, such pieces often carry a 'retd' or numeric 84 stamp, or a Farsi maker's mark in a small rectangular cartouche on the rim or underside.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of silver; decorative elements achieved through hand-hammering from the reverse (repoussé) and detailing from the front (chasing).
Functional Features
Multi-lobed or divided tray sections for serving nuts, sweets, or 'Meze'. Features central and peripheral wells for organized presentation.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated scalloped rim serves as the grip; no secondary handles are attached, maintaining a fluid circular or oval silhouette.
Craftsmanship Details
Exemplary hand-tooling; the pouncing (background dotting) is consistent in depth, and the transition from the flat tray floor to the raised border shows no signs of metal fatigue or cracking.
Authentication Indicators
The irregular hand-hammered 'dimples' in the flat sections and the slight asymmetries in the hand-chased bird figures confirm this is hand-wrought, not machine-pressed.
Origin & Manufacturing
Iran, most likely Isfahan. This city is the historic center for Persian 'Ghalam-Zani' (metal engraving and embossing) traditions.
Era & Period
Qajar Revival / Mid-20th Century Iranian Silver. The style draws heavily from the Qajar dynasty (1785-1925) but the technique suggests a mid-1900s production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1970. The crispness of the chasing and the specific stylized bird heads are characteristic of mid-century Isfahan workshops.
Cultural Significance
Represents the continuity of Sassanid and Safavid metalworking traditions into the modern era; such pieces were essential components of high-status Persian dowries and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Shows moderate tarnish in the deep recesses (which enhances the design), minor surface micro-scratching in the wells from use, and no visible structural splits or thinning.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD depending on exact silver weight and the presence of a verifiable maker's signature.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and mild silver cream; avoid over-polishing the deep recesses as the natural oxidation (patina) provides the necessary visual depth for the repoussé.
Similar Pieces
Indian Cutch silver (which uses similar high relief but different motifs) and Turkish Ottoman-style platters (which tend to focus more on arabesque calligraphy and floral sprays).
Interesting Facts
The birds depicted are common in Persian poetry and art, often symbolizing the soul or the 'Bulbul' (nightingale) which represents the lover in Persian literature.