An early 20th century Siamese (Thai) unmarked silver bowl, Northern Thailand possibly Chiang Mai circa 1920

An early 20th century Siamese (Thai) unmarked silver bowl, Northern Thailand possibly Chiang Mai circa 1920

Of rounded circular form, embossed to the sides with the Burmese representations of the days of the week upside down; Garuda, (Sunday), Tiger (Monday), Lion (Tuesday), Two Elephants (Wednesday AM and PM), Rat (Thursday), Guinea Pig (Friday), Dragon (Saturday). Each symbol within archways between foliate scrolls, all above stylised scrolling arches. The underside with a chased singha or chinthe encircled within geometric bands.

Diameter – 12 cm / 4.65 inches

Weight – 245 grams / 7.88 ozt

The curious choice to place the decorative schema upside down and the incorrect depiction of the two elephants of Wednesday ( the afternoon should lack tusks) strongly suggests that this bowl was made by a Thai native craftsman rather than Burmese. It is certainly true that throughout the early/middle of the 20^th century the craftsman of Chiang Mai greatly imitated Burmese silver in their bowls and boxes, gradually developing features found only Thai made silver; short semi-circular or hollow feet, a more tapered rim section and decoration of village life including clusters of houses.