STUNNING 20thC THAILAND SOLID SILVER GILT & NIELLO PHOTO FRAMES, BANGKOK c.1968
20th Century Thailand silver-gilt & niello presentation photograph frame. Upright rectangular form with inverted angular boarder, frame decorated with dense floral ground mounted on a varnished brown wood back with support, Inside is a signed and dated (31.07.68) photograph presented to Georgette and Jacques, comes in its original gift box.
Hallmarked Sterling (925 standard).
Reference Number: A5583
DESCRIPTION
Stunning mid-20th Century Thailand solid silver-gilt & niello presentation photograph frame. Upright rectangular form with inverted angular boarder, frame decorated with dense floral ground mounted on a varnished brown wood back with support, Inside is a signed and dated (31.07.68) photograph presented to Georgette and Jacques, comes in its original gift box. Hallmarked Sterling (925 standard).
Nielloware art and jewellery has always been very popular in Thailand, However, the niello technique does not seem to have originated in Thailand. It is said that it was introduced by the Persians or the Portuguese to Thailand since both countries had an early presence in Siam.
This frame is an exceptional example of Thai niello work, such pieces were only made for the Royal house and presented to foreign diplomats as gifts. The tradition of presenting nielloware objects as State gifts goes back to the reign of King Narai of Ayutthaya (1656-1688). Pieces of the finest quality can only be viewed at the Nakhon National Museum and the V&A (The Arts of Thailand)
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 25.5cm
Width: 20.5cm
Weight: 510g
