Tribal Mandala Tinned Copper Tray

Details

Description

While many Indian trays feature soft floral patterns, this 15-inch charger is bold and geometric. The surface is covered in … Read more While many Indian trays feature soft floral patterns, this 15-inch charger is bold and geometric. The surface is covered in concentric bands of hand-engraved triangles, zig-zags, and stylized hatch marks that radiate from the center like a shield. It retains a significant amount of its original tinned finish (Kalai), which creates a striking contrast between the cool silver tones of the tin and the warm, oxidized copper peaking through underneath. This "two-tone" metal effect makes it incredibly versatile, as it ties together both silver and gold/brass accents in a room. Sourced from Northern India, this piece likely dates to the early 20th century. The geometric "zig-zag" borders and repetitive linear patterns suggest a design influence that leans more toward Tribal or Central Asian aesthetics rather than the purely floral Mughal court style. Like the others, it was originally used as a large communal dining platter (Thali), but the tinning indicates it was definitely a functional food-safe vessel before it became a decorative object.
The geometric, "shield-like" appearance of this tray makes it a strong architectural statement. Because of its bold pattern, it looks incredible hanging flat on a wall. It reads almost like an antique warrior's shield or a modern art piece. The silvery-grey patina fits perfectly in an Industrial or Modern Farmhouse living room, bridging the gap between raw steel and warm wood.

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