Vishnu Thali

This beautiful brass platter or thali from Gujarat has been made using repousse and engraving techniques. Bordered with scalloped lotus petal niches, it features a seated figure of Vishnu in the centre, surrounded by stylized foliate. Just below Lord Vishnu, the name of a former owner or donor is engraved in Gujarati. The naive style of engraving with more graphic strokes is typical of the Gujarati style. The style is similar to the tradition of Pichwai paintings from the region. This platter would have been used in puja or worship rituals.
Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The "preserver" in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), Vishnu is revered as the Supreme Being in Vaishnavism.