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
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
