Indo-Islamic Bidriware or Damascened Brass Charger

This is a highly ornate, circular metal charger or tray featuring intricate Indo-Islamic metalwork, characteristic of the pre-British Colonial era in India, possibly Mughal or Deccan in origin. The base metal appears to be a copper-alloy or brass, which has been worked using a damascening (teh-nishan) or inlay technique. The surface is divided into concentric registers and decorative sections: a central medallion with scrolling foliate vines, surrounded by a scalloped or lotus-petal band, and an outer rim featuring calligraphic panels in Naskh or Thuluth script. The ornamentation consists of 'koftgari' or inlay in silver and gold-toned metals against a dark, possibly oxidized or patinated 'bidri' style background. The color palette is composed of metallic golds, silvers, and a deep, wine-red pigmented ground within specific floral motifs. Physically, the item shows a high level of craftsmanship with dense 'arabesque' and 'islimi' patterns. Condition-wise, there is visible surface wear consistent with age, including a natural darkened patina, some fading of the red lacquer/pigment, and minor pitting in the metal surface. The script indicates a likely religious or poetic text common in courtly items of the 17th to 18th centuries. The quality suggests a luxury commissioned object for a noble household.

I have examined the digital representations of this Indo-Islamic Bidriware/Damascened charger. The item exhibits the hallmarks of high-status Mughal or Deccan metalwork, specifically the 'teh-nishan' technique where silver is inlaid into a zinc-based alloy. The presence of calligraphic Naskh script and the dense islimi patterns suggest a 17th to 18th-century origin. The condition shows a desirable aged patina; while there is minor pitting and pigment fading, the structural integrity and the crispness of the inlay remain superior, indicating a luxury commission rather than a later colonial souvenir. Market demand for early Indian metalwork remains strong, with similar 18th-century Bidri pieces appearing at major houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s fetching prices in the mid-four-figure range. The rarity of large chargers with preserved calligraphic bands significantly bolsters its value. However, a definitive authentication is impossible via photography alone. To confirm the piece is not a high-quality 19th-century 'Bidar' revival or a later reproduction, a physical inspection is required to test the alloy composition and verify the depth of the inlay. I would also recommend a provenance search to link the item to a specific collection or region. For insurance purposes, the upper estimate reflects the current replacement cost at a specialist gallery.