High Purity Indo-Persian 22K Yellow Gold Offering Bowl with Repoussé Script
Religious/Ceremonial Bowl (Vessel) · Traditional Yellow Gold alloyed with small amounts of silver and copper to retain maximum color richness.
Purity: 22K/916 fineness, containing approximately 91.6% pure gold. High-karat items in this tradition are soft and exhibit a deep, natural luster.
Type
Religious/Ceremonial Bowl (Vessel)
Purity
22K/916 fineness, containing approximately 91.6% pure gold. High-karat items in this tradition are soft and exhibit a deep, natural luster.
Gold Type
Traditional Yellow Gold alloyed with small amounts of silver and copper to retain maximum color richness.
Weight
35 to 80 grams, depending on thickness. Pieces of this nature are typically hammered thin for surface area rather than solid density.
Description
A stunning high-purity yellow gold ceremonial bowl featuring intricate hand-chased calligraphic or geometric script. The design radiates from the center, creating a sunburst effect that captures light through its faceted repoussé surfaces. Such vessels are historically used for offerings, water rituals, or as premium gifts for significant life events like weddings.
Key Features
Concentric radial script, mirror-polished central disc, soft high-karat golden hue, and traditional repoussé (hammering from the back) metalworking technique.
Color & Finish
Deep saturated yellow with a satin-matte interior finish and polished highlights on the relief script. Natural age patina in recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps on the interior; often found on the exterior base. May include Tola or Karat purity marks in Arabic or Devanagari numerals.
Dimensions Estimate
3 to 4 inches in diameter (7.5 - 10 cm); approximately 1.5 inches in height/depth.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the decorative focus is entirely on the metal manipulation and scriptwork.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; open vessel design with a smooth, rounded rim.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; features a consistent hammered wall thickness.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-raised vessel with repoussé and chasing. The calligraphy shows high-relief detail, suggesting the metal was meticulously worked while supported on a pitch block.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic 'buttery' yellow color and high-luster reflection are consistent with 22K+ gold. Hand-tooling marks inside the script curves indicate manual craftsmanship rather than mass-stamping.
Origin & Maker
Likely Southwest Asia or the Middle East (specifically India, Dubai, or Iran). Produced by regional goldsmiths specializing in high-purity ceremonial ware.
Era & Period
Modern Traditional (20th Century or contemporary) following Classical patterns. Common in Islamic, Hindu, or Sikh ceremonial art.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970 - 2010. The consistency of the script suggests modern hand-tooling or mechanical aid in initial forming.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of wealth and spirituality; used in religious ceremonies (Prasadam or Zakat) to symbolize the purity of the offering.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with soft 22K gold. No major dents or thinning of the walls visible. Surface luster remains vibrant.
Value Estimate
Driven primarily by melt value (Current Spot Price x Weight x 0.916) plus a 15-25% premium for craftsmanship. Significant resale value due to high gold content and cultural appeal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft micro-fiber cloth and lukewarm distilled water. Avoid all abrasives, as 22K gold is exceptionally soft and easily deformed or scratched.
Similar Items
Sterling silver gold-vermeil offering bowls (lighter and harder) or brass decorative bowls (which lack the deep orange-yellow undertone).
Interesting Facts
High-karat gold bowls were historically signs of extreme status in Mughal and Persian courts. In many cultures, gold is believed to possess purifying spiritual properties when used for food or water.