Mid 20th Century Thailand Silver & Niello Photo Frame, Bangkok, 1930s

About This Piece

Vintage Design

Mid 20th Century Thai solid silver and niello photograph frame. Upright, rectangular design decorated with foliage. Hallmarked Sterling (925 standard), Thailand.

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)

The process of creating niello objects is very complicated and elaborate. Hence, it requires great skill from the craftsman: the object to be decorated, commonly of silver or gold is incised with a traditional Thai pattern. The areas which are to be the background are carved in deep relief and filled with niello which is a black mixture of metallic alloys of lead, copper and silver. Afterwards the niello is fused with the metal of the object by heating. The object is then smoothed by hand with a file and polished. Additional details can also be incised during the filing and polishing process. In the finished article, the silver or gold base of the object stands out and contrasts with the matte black background.

CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE
Height: 15 cm // 5.91 in
Width: 10 cm // 3.94 in
Depth: 10 cm // 3.94 in
Weight: 175 g // 5.78 ozt

Click here for full description Close description

Creator	Thailand
Manufacturer	Thailand
Design Period	1920 to 1949
Year	1930
Production Period	1920 to 1929
Country of Manufacture	Thailand
Identifying Marks	This piece has an attribution mark
Style	Asian
Detailed Condition	Good — This vintage/antique item may have some wear such as scratches and other signs of ageing.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use, Patina consistent with age and use, Wear expected with age
Product Code	XTA-1839157
Materials	Silver
Color	Silver
Width	1 cm 0.4 inch
Depth	10 cm 3.9 inch
Height	15 cm 5.9 inch
Duties Notice	Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order.

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	United Kingdom
Duties Notice	Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order.
Returns	Returns accepted within two days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Sustainability

Carbon Neutral	For every purchase made, Pamono offsets 100% of estimated carbon emissions from global shipping.
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Delivery Details

Delivery will be completed by a parcel service such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx.
You will receive a tracking number to monitor the status of your shipment.
Delivery will take place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine the packaging upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damaged packaging, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note, take pictures, and—if the item inside shows damages—contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations regarding damaged packaging represents your acceptance of the completed order in perfect condition.