Description:

 A LARGE SILVER ENGRAVED ARMORIAL TRAY, 19TH CENTURY
Persia, 19th century

Description:
This substantial silver tray is finely engraved with a central armorial emblem, flanked by an array of stylised vegetal scrolls, geometric bands, and floral medallions. The artistry suggests a combination of Qajar-period Persian aesthetics and courtly European heraldic influence, possibly indicating a commission for diplomatic or ceremonial use.

The wide border is framed with repeating arabesques and leafy tendrils, executed with precision and fluidity. The central cartouche may have once included a family crest or emblem of high-ranking patronage, contributing to its function as both display and service piece within an elite context.

Dimensions: Diameter: 40 cm

Comparable examples:

  • A large 19th-century Persian silver tray with armorial devices sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 13 June 2022, Lot 143, for £8,750.

  • A Qajar silver tray with repoussé and engraved decoration achieved £9,375 at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 25 October 2017, Lot 169.

  • A similar ceremonial silver platter with engraved motifs sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 27 October 2022, Lot 145, for £10,000.

Note:
Silver objects bearing armorial or crest motifs were often gifts or diplomatic commissions, illustrating the intersection of Persian decorative tradition with European heraldry. Such pieces were produced by master silversmiths who blended technical finesse with local iconographic flair.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000