Silver Thai Pedestal Bowl

Chased Silver Pedestal Bowl

Thailand

19th century

height: 13cm, diameter: 18.3cm, weight: 482g

Pedestal bowls such as this example were used in Thailand to adorn altars with flowers and other offerings but also to hold betel nut sets.

This example has a fine, domed foot and a body that rises and gently opens like a lotus bloom, both of which are beautifully chased and engraved with rows of overlapping lotus petal motifs that have been infilled with the lai kranok motif.

The base is double-stamped with a mark that reads ‘Cai Li’ (which approximates to ‘Wealth & Benefits’). Probably this is the retailer’s name. Most probably, the bowl was also made by a local Thai silversmith of Chinese descent.

The bowl has a fine patina and is free of any repairs, dents or splits.

References

Naengnoi Punjabhan, Silverware in Thailand, Rerngrom Publishing, 1991.

Provenance

UK art market.

Inventory no.: 2193

SOLD

An early 20th century photograph of a Thai prince standing next to a pedestal bowl that is similar in form and decoration to the example here.