Floral Thali with Peacocks, Hunting Dogs and Deer

This unusual and rare repousse and engraved brass thali or platter, is from Gujarat. In the centre of the plate is a finely engraved flower. Around this are four stylized peacocks and eight compartments; four with hunting dogs and four with black buck deer, surrounded by foliate and birds. The depiction of hunting scenes or hunting dogs came from the Persian influence through the Mughals. The subject can be seen in miniatures, carpets and platters of the time. Hunting was also the favourite sport of many kings and nobility.
This platter would probably have been used to serve food such as sweet meats or fruit, at elaborate feasts for kings and nobility. Such feasts are well documented in Mughal literature and art.