Thai Niello Silver Bowl

Niello Silver Bowl

Thailand

19th century

diameter: 12.8cm, height: 6.8cm, weight: 185g

The designs on this niello silver bowl are unusually complex and flowing. Scrolling vegetal kranok flame motif designs which twist and bifurcate into even more complex patterns are interspersed by four thepanom or celestial beings from Buddhist cosmology, within borders – top and bottom – of the diamond-shaped phum or ‘eye of the peacock feather’ motif.

The niello technique is thought to have been introduced to Thailand either by the Portuguese or the Persians. Traders from both countries had an early presence in the Kingdom. Niello work became a speciality of the southern Thai city of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The bowl is probably finer than suggested by the photographs. The dark shadow at the centre on the rim of each image is a reflection and not apparent on the bowl itself. It is free of any dents, splits or repairs and is somewhat jewel-like given its symmetricity and fineness. The age of the bowl is apparent too.

A similar style bowl is illustrated in Fraser-Lu (1989, p. 42).

References

Fraser-Lu, S., Silverware of South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1989.

Byachrananda, J., Thai Mother-of Pearl Inlay, River Books, 2001.

Provenance

UK art market

Inventory no.: 1199

SOLD