Indian Brass and Silver-Inlaid Bidriware-style Aftaba or Decorative Pedestal Vase
Decorative Object / Hollowware · Unattributed Indian Artisan; likely produced in a regional brass-working center such as Moradabad or Hyderabad (famous for Bidriware traditions). These items were often produced in small family workshops rather than large luxury brands.
Pattern: Traditional Indo-Islamic Floral and Foliate Pattern with Enamel Accents
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware
Maker
Unattributed Indian Artisan; likely produced in a regional brass-working center such as Moradabad or Hyderabad (famous for Bidriware traditions). These items were often produced in small family workshops rather than large luxury brands.
Material
Brass base metal with silver-colored metallic inlay/overlay (likely a low-grade silver or 'German silver' nickel alloy) and red lac/enamel pigments. Not solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-14 inches in height; weight likely between 800-1500 grams due to the heavy density of the brass core.
Description
An ornate Indian decorative vase featuring a tiered pedestal base and an elongated neck that culminates in a flared, shallow rim. The body is decorated with intricate bands of silver-toned floral patterns set against a warm brass ground, punctuated by small dots of red enamel. The presence of Persian-style script or pseudo-script engraving around the shoulder adds an air of historical exoticism characteristic of mid-century Indian export wares.
Key Features
Two-tone metal contrast (brass and silver-finish), hand-stippled background texture, distinctive red enamel 'buds,' and the Islamic-influenced flaring rim.
Material & Composition
Brass base metal with silver-colored metallic inlay/overlay (likely a low-grade silver or 'German silver' nickel alloy) and red lac/enamel pigments. Not solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-chased and engraved surface with 'Tarkashi' (wire inlay) or 'Tehhenishin' (overlay) techniques. Features floral motifs, scalloped borders, stippled backgrounds, and red cold-enamel paint highlights in a Mughal-influenced style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually lacks formal Western hallmarks. May contain a 'Made in India' stamp or a small artisan's mark on the underside of the base, though none are visible in the photo.
Construction Details
Sand-cast brass body in multiple sections (base, stem, body, neck) joined by internal threaded rods or solder. The surface is hand-finished using traditional metalworking chisels and hammers.
Functional Features
Wide flared rim for decorative display; stable pedestal base. Designed primarily as a mantel or table ornament rather than for holding liquids, as the interior is often unsealed raw brass.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a vessel form designed for pedestal display.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-tooling is visible in the irregular stippling and slightly asymmetrical floral patterns, indicating a manual artisan effort rather than a fully automated factory process.
Authentication Indicators
The yellowish tint visible at the rim and wear points confirms a brass base rather than solid silver. Hand-engraving quality is consistent with mid-market Indian artistic production rather than high-end palace commissions.
Origin & Manufacturing
India, likely Moradabad (the 'Brass City') or Bidar. These locations have centuries-old traditions of inlaying white metals into darker or brass bases.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-Colonial Indian Export Era), reflecting traditional Mughal and Persian design influences from the 17th-19th centuries.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1980. The style of the cold enamel and the specific wear on the brass suggest a vintage rather than antique (100+ years) origin.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Export Renaissance' of Indian handicrafts in the mid-20th century, which brought South Asian aesthetic traditions to Western domestic interiors.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Visible surface oxidation and patina consistent with age. There are signs of water spots and some wear to the enamel highlights. Grade: Very Good (Vintage).
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD depending on the market. Value is based on decorative appeal and hand-craftsmanship rather than precious metal weight.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver dips or harsh abrasives. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap if necessary. A light coating of Renaissance Wax can protect the brass from further tarnishing and preserve the red enamel.
Similar Pieces
Zinc-based Bidriware vases (darker, more expensive), modern Moradabad etched brass (lighter, machine-made), or Persian 'Zand' style engraved copper.
Interesting Facts
The design is a later commercial adaptation of 'Bidriware,' a metalwork form originating in the 14th century that traditionally used a blackened zinc alloy inlaid with pure silver.