19th Century Solid Silver Niello Bowl

Description

An exceptionally rare early 19th century Thai solid silver votive offering cup / niello bowl, finely hand-crafted, in diminutive chalice … more An exceptionally rare early 19th century Thai solid silver votive offering cup / niello bowl, finely hand-crafted, in diminutive chalice form, sculptural, modeled after a Lotus blossom. Circa 1830

Having stylized leaf shaped rim, circular domed spreading foot, richly detailed, meticulously chased all over overlapping fin type surface decoration, repousse decorated. Nielloware art has always been very desirable in Thailand.

The process of creating niello objects is extremely complicated and elaborate. Hence, it requires great skill from the craftsman: the object to be decorated, commonly of silver or gold is incised with a traditional Thai pattern. The areas which are to be the background are carved in deep relief and filled with niello which is a black mixture of metallic alloys of lead, copper and silver. Afterwards the niello is fused with the metal of the object by heating. The object is then smoothed by hand with a file and polished. Additional details can also be incised during the filing and polishing process. In the finished article, the silver or gold base of the object stands out and contrasts with the matte black background.

This bowl is an exceptional example of Thai niello work, such pieces were only made for the Royal house. The tradition of presenting nielloware objects as State gifts goes back to the reign of King Narai of Ayutthaya (1656-1688). Pieces of similar quality can only be viewed at the Nakhon National Museum.

A hand-cut square bolt adheres the column form standard and base to the upper bowl element. Marked on the underside with a hammer stamp.

In wonderful, completely original, very good condition. Elegantly patinated. Very minor expected aging including a curled tip to one of the Lotus petals. Overall, a superb example.

Dimensions: (approx)
1.75” High, 2.5" Diameter less