RECENT ACQUISITIONS - 1st July
Antique early-19th Century rare fine solid silver niello bowl, repoussé decorated, depicting Singha lions and dense floral gilded decoration throughout. Nielloware art and jewellery has always been very popular in Thailand, However, the niello technique does not seem to have originated in Thailand. It is said that it was introduced by the Persians or the Portuguese to Thailand since both countries had an early presence in Siam.
This bowl is an exceptional example of Thai niello work, such pieces were only made for the Royal house. The tradition of presenting nielloware objects as State gifts goes back to the reign of King Narai of Ayutthaya (1656-1688). Pieces of similar quality can only be viewed at the Nakhon National Museum and the V&A (The Arts of Thailand, silver and gold repoussé teapot. Museum no.476-1894)
Reference Number: A10261