Vintage Southeast Asian Hammered High-Purity Gold Offering Bowl
Religious Vessel / Offering Bowl · High-Karat Yellow Gold (likely alloyed with trace silver for durability while maintaining a rich, buttery hue).
Purity: Indicated 22K to 24K (91.6% - 99.9% purity); high-purity yellow gold based on the deep saturation and characteristic malleability visible in the repoussé work.
Type
Religious Vessel / Offering Bowl
Purity
Indicated 22K to 24K (91.6% - 99.9% purity); high-purity yellow gold based on the deep saturation and characteristic malleability visible in the repoussé work.
Gold Type
High-Karat Yellow Gold (likely alloyed with trace silver for durability while maintaining a rich, buttery hue).
Weight
Estimated 80 - 150 grams depending on wall thickness; heavy for its size due to the high density of gold.
Description
An exquisite example of traditional high-purity gold hollowware. This bowl features an ornate interior floor and walls adorned with hand-chased symbolic patterns arranged in concentric bands. The central medallion appears to depict a mythological figure or floral motif, typical of Buddhist offering vessels. The rich, deep gold color identifies it as an object of significant wealth and religious devotion.
Key Features
Hand-hammered repoussé technique; intricate concentric decorative bands; high-karat visual depth; traditional religious/ceremonial form.
Color & Finish
Deep saturation yellow with a satin-to-polished interior; features extensive hand-hammered texture, chasing, and a dark patina in recessed areas of the design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps in the provided image; typical of traditional handcrafted pieces from Southeast Asia where makers' marks are often absent or placed on the exterior base.
Dimensions Estimate
Estimated 4 - 6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter; depth of approximately 2-3 inches.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; focusing entirely on the intrinsic value of the metal and the complexity of the hand-chased metalwork.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; open vessel design with a smooth, Rounded rim for structural stability.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; structural construction involves a hand-beaten sheet of gold shaped into a dome with internal chasing.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-fabricated from a single gold sheet; interior features hand-chased radial symmetry; high-quality finishing on the rim; evidence of skilled manual tool work rather than hydraulic pressing.
Authentication Indicators
Saturated yellow color indicates high purity over 21K; handcrafted tool marks suggest authentic traditional manufacturing; lack of 'brassing' or peeling indicates solid gold rather than plating.
Origin & Maker
Likely Southeast Asia (Thailand or Myanmar/Burma); crafted by a skilled traditional goldsmith using manual repoussé and chasing techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1940s-1970s); reflects traditional design language utilized in Thai, Burmese, or Cambodian goldsmithing.
Age Estimate
Circa 50-80 years old; suggested by the wear patterns and the traditional style of the decorative banding.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of financial investment and spiritual merit-making; gold vessels like this were historically commissioned by wealthy families for temple donations.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Shows minor surface scratches, internal residue consistent with use in rituals (incense or water), and slight warping of the rim characteristic of soft, high-purity gold.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued by weight (melt value) plus a 15-25% premium for craftsmanship and age. Current market estimate: $6,000 - $12,000 USD based on weight and gold spot prices.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with mild warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners due to the soft nature of high-karat gold; do not polish aggressively as it may wear down the hand-chased details.
Similar Items
Thai Gold Suphannahong vessels; silver repoussé bowls (often confused, but distinct in weight and color); modern machine-stamped 18K gold bowls.
Interesting Facts
In many Southeast Asian cultures, such bowls are used as 'Phan' (offering trays) to hold flowers, incense, or candles at family altars or temples, symbolizing the donor's merit.