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DESCRIPTION
Antique mid-19th Century Thai extremely rare and fine set of solid silver niello bowls, of various sizes, these betel leaf holders, with engraved gilt floral and foliate decoration, come in a set of three and the smallest bowl set with a lid. 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. These bowls are 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)
The process of creating niello objects is very complicated and elaborate. Hence, it requires great skill from the craftsman: the object to be decorated, commonly of silver or gold is incised with a traditional Thai pattern. The areas which are to be the background are carved in deep relief and filled with niello which is a black mixture of metallic alloys of lead, copper and silver. Afterwards the niello is fused with the metal of the object by heating. The object is then smoothed by hand with a file and polished. Additional details can also be incised during the filing and polishing process. In the finished article, the silver or gold base of the object stands out and contrasts with the matte black background.
CONDITION
Losses to the niello in places, please see photos.
SIZE
Height: 7cm
Width: 15cm
Weight: 185g
MEDIUM
Height: 4.5cm
Width: 6.5cm
Weight: 46g
SMALL
Height: 2.5cm
Width: 3.5cm
Weight: 12g
