Michael Backman Ltd - Home
A Fine Deccani Silver Thali
Maharashtra, India
early 18th century
diameter: 21.2 cm
This thali, of shallow rounded form, is of high-grade silver, beaten, chased and engraved with a central lotus flower medallion. It is bordered by double fluted
bands of scalloped lotus petal niches and with a lipped rim. Double rows of fluting is characteristic of the silversmithing work undertaken in Pune and the
adjacent region.
Thalis such as this were used at elaborate Mughal feasts. Each guest was served with his own thali, made of either silver or gold. Originally, precious metals
were preferred as they were believed to detect poison. Later, they were preferred simply for reasons of ostentation.
References: A thali of almost identical form and design is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum and illustrated in Terlinden, C., Mughal Silver
Magnificence, Antalga, 1987, p. 104. A similar but larger thali is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, (inventory no. AC1999.248.1) and illustrated in Arts
of Asia, July-August, 2002, p. 32.
Inventory no.: 97
This Item is available - Ask about this item
A Fine Deccani Silver Thali
Maharashtra, India
early 18th century
diameter: 21.2 cm
This thali, of shallow rounded form, is of high-grade silver, beaten, chased and engraved with a central lotus flower medallion. It is bordered by double fluted
bands of scalloped lotus petal niches and with a lipped rim. Double rows of fluting is characteristic of the silversmithing work undertaken in Pune and the
adjacent region.
Thalis such as this were used at elaborate Mughal feasts. Each guest was served with his own thali, made of either silver or gold. Originally, precious metals
were preferred as they were believed to detect poison. Later, they were preferred simply for reasons of ostentation.
References: A thali of almost identical form and design is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum and illustrated in Terlinden, C., Mughal Silver
Magnificence, Antalga, 1987, p. 104. A similar but larger thali is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, (inventory no. AC1999.248.1) and illustrated in Arts
of Asia, July-August, 2002, p. 32.
Inventory no.: 97
This Item is available - Ask about this item
