A FINE THAI NIELLOED SILVER MATCH CASE
Thailand, South East Asia, mid to late 19th century

Of compressed rectangular shape, with rounded sides, the silver exterior finely worked with intricate niello decoration showcasing on one side a royal battle on elephants, with a multitude of foot soldiers surrounding the two opponents, possibly a representation of the Battle of Nong Sarai (1592), one of the pivotal battles of the 16th-century Siam-Burmese wars, leading to the defeat of King Mingyi-Swa by King Naresuan and the end of Burmese domination over Siam, on the latter side the Hindu God Vishnu on his vahana Garuda against a background with eternal flames, each scene encased within floral decorative bands, the interior plain, 6cm x 4.5cm.