A LARGE THAI SILVER REPOUSSÉ CEREMONIAL TRAY OR BASIN (TOK)
Thailand, South East Asia, 19th century

Of typical shallow rounded shape with reinforced rim, resting on four sinuous legs engraved with fierce monster masks (kala), palmettes and vegetal scrollwork, set on a gently splayed circular pedestal featuring a chased mythical lion (singh) in the central roundel, the intricate repoussé exterior of the basin and pedestal showcasing overlapping bands of traditional Thai Kra-Chang lotus petal motifs, palmettes, floral scrollwork and geometric designs, the basin and pedestal stamped three times with the hallmark MOL, 30.5cm diam. and 20cm high, 1432GR.

Silver washing basins or trays of this kind were usually made for royalty and dignitaries of the Thai society to be used during important ceremonies to wash their hands and, occasionally, their feet. For further reference, please see P. Bromberg, Thai Silver and Nielloware, 2019, pp. 85, 86, 109, and 124.