Loading page
$2,850
An impressive 19th-century Indian hand-worked brass tray, richly decorated with an elaborate program of figural, animal, floral and calligraphic-inspired ornament. Measuring a substantial 23 inches in diameter, the piece has the visual presence of an architectural wall object while retaining its original function as a large ceremonial or serving tray. The brass surface has been extensively worked by hand using traditional hammering, repoussé-style embossing, chasing and incised decoration. Concentric registers organize the composition, creating the highly detailed, jewel-like surface associated with historic Indian and Indo-Persian metalwork. Particularly compelling are the stylized animal and figural motifs, including cattle imagery, integrated among scrolling vegetal ornament and script-like decorative passages. Rather than describing these motifs definitively as religious or identifying the inscriptions as Arabic without a translation, I would keep the attribution appropriately cautious. The imagery reflects the complex visual vocabulary found in Indian decorative arts, where courtly, regional, Persianate and indigenous traditions frequently intersect. A pronounced scalloped or pie-crust border gives the tray a sculptural silhouette and makes it especially effective when displayed vertically. At 23 inches across, it can create a strong focal point hung individually on a wall or incorporated into a curated grouping of antique metalwork. It may also be displayed horizontally on a substantial coffee table, console or ottoman, or adapted as the top of a custom tray table. Its warm aged brass surface works particularly well in Mediterranean, Anglo-Indian, Mughal-inspired, eclectic, Spanish Colonial and contemporary interiors where a single historic object can provide texture and depth. The surface retains the variations, oxidation, rubbing and irregularities expected from a handmade antique brass object of this age. These characteristics contribute to its authentic patina and should not be confused with modern machine-produced decoration. A highly decorative example of 19th-century Indian brass craftsmanship with strong scale, intricate handwork and considerable presence as both a collectible object and interior-design accent.
