Large Malay-Style Silver Platter

Large Silver Malay-Style Platter & Stand

Singapore

19th-early 20th century

diameter: 60cm, height when mounted on legs: 57cm, weight of tray: 1,959g

This large platter is of beaten silver (alloyed with some copper) and is from Singapore and inspired by the Islamic Malay people of the Malay peninsula and the Riau Archipelago (in what is today Indonesia). It is chased with a central roundel and borders of the scrolling foliage. The edges are reinforced to give the tray strength and crenulated.

The platter sits freely on a set of carved wooden fold-away legs which are likely to be either Egyptian or Syrian either in manufacture or inspiration. Either way, they are show Middle-Eastern Islamic influence and thus are sympathetic to the platter.

Such platters are based on those that were used at important ritual celebrations such as weddings when large numbers of people were in attendance. The tray is hammered thin and is light for its size – it was designed to make a visual impact. It would have held food, or was used to display wedding gifts, or as a dish to hold other silver receptacles.

The example here is in fine condition.

Provenance:

UK art market

Inventory no.: 2892

SOLD