24K Gold-Wash Middle Eastern Repoussé Bowl
Ceremonial Bowl / Decorative Vessel · Yellow Gold wash with high copper-hued highlights in textured recesses.
Purity: 24K (approx. 99.9% gold content) surface wash over a base metal (likely silver, copper, or brass). This is not solid gold but a thick decorative gilding or vermeil.
Type
Ceremonial Bowl / Decorative Vessel
Purity
24K (approx. 99.9% gold content) surface wash over a base metal (likely silver, copper, or brass). This is not solid gold but a thick decorative gilding or vermeil.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold wash with high copper-hued highlights in textured recesses.
Weight
150g - 250g inclusive of base metal; the gold content itself is likely less than 1-2 grams due to the nature of gilding.
Description
A striking decorative gold-washed bowl featuring a central relief of a mythological deity or stylized bird. The interior walls are adorned with radial repoussé bands featuring abstract geometric and calligraphic-inspired motifs. The high-polish center contrasts with the textured walls to create a radiant 'sunburst' effect.
Key Features
The central 'Faravahar' or bird-like icon and the meticulous radial symmetry of the hand-chased repetitive patterns on the interior walls.
Color & Finish
Rich, buttery yellow with a high-luster center and matte, darker gold patina in the recessed repoussé patterns. Surface features a combination of hand-hammered and chased finishes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the interior; usually located on the bottom of the foot or the exterior rim. Likely contains a maker's mark or tula stamp if of Turkish or Persian origin.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 10-12cm in diameter, 5cm in height. Small personal or ceremonial scale.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The decorative focus is entirely on the metallic texture and the central figurative relief.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (solid vessel). Smooth, turned rim for handling.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The walls are thin-gauge sheet metal formed by hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-hammered from the reverse (repoussé) and finished from the front (chasing). The central motif shows a high level of detail in the casting or heavy stamping before the final gilding process.
Authentication Indicators
The 'brassing' or silver show-through on the rim indicates this is a plated/washed item and not solid gold. The hand-tooled marks on the interior suggest authentic artisanal craftsmanship rather than a modern mass-produced casting.
Origin & Maker
Likely Middle Eastern (Iran, Iraq, or Turkey). Produced by regional artisans specializing in religious or hospitality giftware.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Decorative (1940s-1970s), drawing heavily from Ancient Persian or Mesopotamian motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the crisp detail of the strike and the specific style of gold-washing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing tradition of metalwork in the Levant and Persia, where gold-washed silver was a standard for the merchant class to display wealth without the portability issues of solid gold.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface scratching in the central bowl area consistent with use. Some wear to the gold gilding on the high points of the repoussé, revealing the silver-toned base metal underneath.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD. The value is primarily decorative and artistic; its melt value is negligible as the gold content is a thin surface layer.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic baths. Clean only with a soft damp cloth to avoid stripping the thin gold layer. Store in a soft cloth pouch to prevent further oxidation of the base metal.
Similar Items
Solid 22K gold ceremonial bowls (significantly heavier/softer), brass tourist-grade replicas (lighter and more yellow), or Persian 'Ghalam-Zani' engraved silver bowls.
Interesting Facts
Bowls like this are often part of 'haft-sin' tables or used in hospitality rituals where it is customary to present items in vessels that reflect light and prosperity through gold finishes.