Floral Thali - 04

This beautiful engraved and repousse thali or platter from the Deccan region, has a honeycomb-like rim, reminiscent of architectural niches or a lotus. A series of foliate, geometric and plain bands are arranged concentrically around a central medallion of a finely engraved foliate. The platter shows a Persian influence in its style and use.
This thali or platter would probably have been used to serve food such as sweet meats or fruit, or as a tray for a hookah or a water ewer (jug) at elaborate Deccan feasts for kings and nobility. Or perhaps ewers would have been used to pour scented water into the plate, for guest to wash their hands. Such feasts are well documented in Mughal literature and art.