Dashavatara Thali

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Details

Size:	8.5 x 10 inches
Material:	Brass
Origin:	Deccan Region

Description

This is a brass cast and engraved platter (thali) from the Deccan region. In the centre is a pair of cows, and around them is a depiction of the Dashavatara of Vishnu and Ganesh. On the back of the platter, there is an engraving in Kannada saying 'Yajama', probably commissioned by the owner or the donor. This platter would have been used in puja or worship rituals.
The Dashavatara refers to the ten primary (i.e. full or complete) incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu, the Hindu God of preservation. The word Dashavatara is derived from 'dasa' meaning ten, and 'avatar', roughly translating to 'incarnation'.

Description

This is a brass cast and engraved platter (thali) from the Deccan region. In the centre is a pair of cows, and around them is a depiction of the Dashavatara of Vishnu and Ganesh. On the back of the platter, there is an engraving in Kannada saying 'Yajama', probably commissioned by the owner or the donor. This platter would have been used in puja or worship rituals.
The Dashavatara refers to the ten primary (i.e. full or complete) incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu, the Hindu God of preservation. The word Dashavatara is derived from 'dasa' meaning ten, and 'avatar', roughly translating to 'incarnation'.

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ABOUT Thalis & Platters

The history of the platter or ‘thali’ in India, goes as far back as the Indus Valley Civilization, where examples have been found in excavations at the site of Kalibangan from 3500 BCE – 2500 BCE. In later periods, thalis were used for both religious and domestic purposes, and were often made in gold or silver. In religious practice, these precious metals were believed to have ritualistic purity, and in terms of serving food, the precious metals were believed to detect poison. Thalis were also a way to show the wealth and power of nobility and kings. Miniature paintings dating as far back as the 15^th century, depict thalis being used to serve sweet meats and fruits, and as a tray for a hookah, water jug or other vessels.

Besides gold and silver, brass was also used as far back as 1^st century BC to make thalis, partly because it was more resistant to wear, but also because it was ‘gold-like’ in appearance, and hence indistinguishable. Unfortunately, many of these items, when damaged over time, would be melted down and the metal reused to make new objects. Very few of these age-old thalis and platters survive today.

These old thalis feature breathtaking and intricate detailing, achieved with the use of repoussé, embossing, and engraving techniques. Repoussé is a metalworking technique, in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side, to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique, in which the piece is hammered on the front side, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction. Engraving is the practice of incising a design onto a hard surface, by cutting grooves into it with a burin.

The thalis are from different parts of South India and Gujarat, with some being of Persian, Egyptian and Sri Lankan origin. The subjects depicted in the thalis range from Hindu gods and goddesses to floral patterns to animals and other mythological figures. The rarity of these finds, coupled with the beauty of the hand work, makes these thalis and platters truly worthy collectibles. All thalis have a handmade brass or copper holder, that has been created specifically for the platters to be hung on the wall.

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Details

Size:	8.5 x 10 inches
Material:	Brass
Origin:	Deccan Region

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All orders are insured for transit.

This item cannot be shipped outside India.

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