Rs.3,200.00
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This rectangular serving tray is painted on a black ground in Swat Valley, Pakistan, and carries the boldest palette in the collection. An eight-pointed star medallion sits at the centre, filled with magenta, crimson, cobalt, and turquoise petals and scattered white dot work, with a pink rosette at its heart. Black grounds are the traditional canvas for Swati gold liner work, and here the gold outlining runs through every motif.
Design Details
- Black ground with a large eight-pointed star medallion, a motif drawn from Islamic geometric design
- Magenta, crimson, cobalt, and turquoise petal fans with a pink rosette at the centre
- White dot beading scattered across the star and along every ruled line
- Gold liner work outlining all motifs, with turquoise and magenta vine borders on the rim and cut-out handles
Specifications
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Dimensions: 12 x 15 inches (30 x 38 cm)
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Material: Seasoned solid wood with hand-painted oil finish
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Finish: Glossy, sealed, waterproof oil-based paint
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Use: Serving tray for tea and dessert, statement centrepiece, event and gift presentation
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Care: Hand-wash with mild soap, dry immediately, avoid dishwashers, soaking, and abrasive scourers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the eight-pointed star mean?
The eight-pointed star, formed by two overlapping squares, is one of the oldest motifs in Islamic geometric ornament and appears across tilework, woodwork, and manuscript borders. Swati painters use it as a centre motif where a circular medallion would otherwise sit.
Is the pink and magenta palette traditional?
The motifs are traditional but the palette is a contemporary one. Swati workshops have long adjusted their colours to what customers want while keeping the drawing, layering, and gold outlining unchanged.
How visible is the white dot work?
Very. The white dots are raised slightly above the surrounding paint because they are applied last as thick points, and on a black ground they catch the light. Run a finger across the panel and the texture is noticeable.
Does this tray suit a dark interior?
The black ground disappears against dark furniture, which pushes the bright motifs forward. Placed on a pale surface the whole tray reads as a graphic block instead. Both work, so choose based on the effect you want.
Handcrafted in Swat Valley, Pakistan. Minor variations in color and pattern are natural features of authentic handmade work.