Floral Thali - 01

This elegant brass, tinned platter or thali with embossing, is from the Deccan region. The honeycomb style rim is reminiscent of architectural niches or a lotus. A series of foliate and plain bands are arranged concentrically around a central medallion of a stylised flower. This thali 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 platter, for guest to wash their hands. Such feasts are well documented in Mughal literature and art.
This thali shows a Persian influence in its style and use. A similar platter in silver is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.