A THAI NIELLOED SILVER CEREMONIAL VASE
Thailand, South East Asia, late 19th - 20th century

Of typical bulbous shape with a compressed globular body, resting on a stepped circular foot, rising to narrow shoulders and a flared neck, the lid reminiscent of Buddhist stupa architecture with several overlapping discs in decreasing order and a spiky finial at the top, the niello decoration of the exterior consisting of naturalistic and lively wildlife scenes with a variety of birds like peacocks, and animals like hares and squirrels running around in a lush jungle with thick foliage, tree branches and blossoming flowers, the lid, shoulders and foot enhanced with typical 'flame' pattern decorative bands, 23.2cm high.