an antique engraved Indian brass plate or thali, probably from gujarat.
350mm in diameter.
the hand formed antique brass thali has scalloped edges to represent lotus flower petals. the lotus flower has great significance in Indian religions, culture, and art, it symbolises creation, purity and enlightenment. the central engraved scene depicts lord Krishna, he is a major deity in hinduism. he is worshipped as the eighth avatar of vishnu and also as the supreme god in his own right. he is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, love and is widely revered among hindu divinities. the scene represents Krishna beside a river in vrindavan playing his flute and dancing, his beautiful playing has attracted three milkmaids known as gopi who are hiding out of shyness. Krishnas dance, the raas leela, symbolizes the devotional love (bhakti) between the divine and the devotees. Krishnas playing has also attracted a turtle and two fish. In Indian culture, the turtle symbolises the universe, stability and is the second avatar of the god vishnu, kurma. the turtle represents the foundation of the world, with its shell symbolizing the heavens and its body the earth. additionally, it signifies wisdom, steadfastness, strength, and perseverance. In Indian culture, fish symbolise fertility, prosperity, abundance and regeneration. they are also associated with deities like vishnu and have been used in art and jewelery to represent auspiciousness and good fortune'.
the history of thalis goes back centuries. gold and silver thalis were used by kings and noble folk for ceremonial and religious purposes and to display their wealth. brass was also used , when polished the colour was was difficult to distinguish from gold. thalis were often decorated with hindu gods and goddesses , floral patterns, animals and other mythological figures.
