Circular tray in zinc alloy, silver and brass for the presentation of Bethel

The betel tray is made of zinc alloy, copper, lead, tin (black in color obtained by immersion in a liquid based on ammonia salts), vitriol and more. The black compound was then inlaid with silver and more rarely as in this case, with brass creating a very pleasant tonal contrast.
The decoration of the tray is the result of the perfect balance of the color of the silver and gold on the matt black background of the metal surface. The impeccable proportion of empty and full and the balance of geometric ornaments are the legacy of the artistic expression of eighteenth-century Mughal India.
Bidri workmanship, considered typically Indian, flourished starting from the 17th century and developed throughout the Deccan, giving rise to various furnishings that became real art objects.
In good condition, but with a very slight dent on the edge which does not affect the beauty of this object at all.