Found this beautiful brass and silver punch bowl (or may be dessert/ kheer serving set :))
Exotic isn't it!!!!! The seller described it as a mid century (1950-60) set from India. I am researching on the period and style (looks more like a middle east inspired set to me)..what say?
An update:
Thanks everyone for the love! With so many co-enthusiasts pouring in their comments and ideas, I thought updating this post with some information would be the best thing to do.
This bowl could be from India (according to the seller). But influence is Old world middle eastern/ persian. :). I say this with all due respect to Indian style and handicrafts. We (Indians) cannot deny inspirations and influences we have had from artisans across the world. Most of the etched brass / bidri work etc. , we see in India now, are said to be inspired from work which dating back to mughal empire (1526 AD - 1803 AD) and little before the mughal period( 1200 AD - 1500 AD). During the sultanate (reign), artisans were brought from persia to work and transfer skills to Indian artisans. Hence, the Persian (middle eastern ) influence on our handicrafts (from that period and later).
Art and architecture in the Indian subcontinent, prior to mughal reign (1 AD - 1200 AD), belong to various styles for example, Sangam era aesthetics (in the south), and Rashtrakuta (north western and central parts), Kakatiyas, Guptas, etc (in the Gangetic plains and Deccan plateau). Our history is very rich when it comes to patrons of art, crafts and architecture
Indian craftsmen have known to exchange ideas with every civilization existing during their times, all thanks to extensive trade and political dynamics (for example Greek invasion (180 BC - 1AD)- who can forget Alexander), and migrations from southern Siberia into Gandhara, Kashmir, Punjab, and into parts of Western and Central India,Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
I believe that our furniture, art and architecture have influenced rest of the world as much as we have been inspired. Hope this information clarifies as to why most of our indian handicrafts look similar to this. . I would definitely like to know more (and feel free to send in corrections if any).
Thank you for liking the post and stopping by to comment..love to see co enthusiasts share their views and ideas
