Floral Thali - 02

This beautiful brass platter or thali from the Deccan region, has a honeycomb-like rim that is reminiscent of architectural niches or a lotus. The outer rim is engraved with a succession of parakeets. A series of foliate and plain bands are arranged concentrically around a central medallion of a delicately engraved stylised flower. In the outer plain band is engraved in Telugu the name 'Gangappa', which would have been the owner or donor’s name. The plate shows a Persian influence in its style and use.
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 plate, for guest to wash their hands. Such feasts are well documented in Mughal literature and art.