Lot 231: A SOUTH INDIAN THANJAVUR SILVER AND COPPER ENCRUSTED BRASS PLATE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

A late 19th Thanjavur (Tanjore) art plate of circular form, featuring traditional tri-metal construction. The object consists of a brass base decorated with applied panels of silver and copper in high-relief repoussé foil work. The central silver medallion depicts the goddess Gajalakshmi seated in padmasana on a lotus base, flanked by two elephants performing abhisheka (lustration) with water vessels. This central motif is bordered by a ring of raised copper bosses. The wide outer rim is divided into eight rectangular cartouches, alternating between silver panels depicting hamsas (mythical birds) and copper panels containing intricate floral and foliate scrollwork. The reverse of the plate is plain brass with a recessed centre and retains its original circular hanging ring.

D: 23cm