Thai Niello Silver (Thom Ngoen) Bowl with Singha Motifs

This fine black niello (thom ngoen) silver bowl is from early 20th century Thailand, most probably Bangkok. It is decorated with four Thai-style lion (singha) figures around the sides and another, in a roundel, on the base. The figures are surrounded by cotton rosemallow flowers (lai phuttan) in trellis formation. A related bowl, but without the singha motifs, is illustrated in Bromberg, 2019, p. 53).

The top of the bowl is decorated with a border of diamond-shaped phum or ‘eye-of-the-peacock feather’ motif.

The niello technique involves engraving or chasing the surface of the silver with the desired patterns and then covering it with a black amalgam made from lead, copper and silver. This was then buffed away to reveal the raised parts of the silver design and leaving the black amalgam in the teched or chased cavities.

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 here is in excellent condition.