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Fine Deccani Silver Thali
Maharashtra, India
early 18th century
diameter: 21.2 cm, weight: 242g
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
surrounding region.
Thalis such as this were used at elaborate Deccan and 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 is illustrated in
Arts of Asia, July-August, 2002, p. 32.
Inventory no.: 97
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Fine Deccani Silver Thali
Maharashtra, India
early 18th century
diameter: 21.2 cm, weight: 242g
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
surrounding region.
Thalis such as this were used at elaborate Deccan and 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 is illustrated in
Arts of Asia, July-August, 2002, p. 32.
Inventory no.: 97
This Item is available - Ask about this item
| The descending lotus motif has been used throughout South Asia. This twelfth century royal bath at Polonnaruva in central Sri Lanka is of cut basalt and has a form that is not unlike the plate or salver above. |