Rs.2,700.00
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This square serving tray is painted on a deep indigo ground, the colour most associated with Swati naqashi work from Swat Valley, Pakistan. A circular medallion at the centre carries a four-armed botanical cross in turquoise and crimson, ringed by ivory scallop bands and set inside a gold-ruled square. The indigo and gold combination is the traditional pairing that the craft is best known for.
Design Details
- Deep indigo ground with a circular center medallion and a four-armed turquoise and crimson botanical cross
- Ivory scallop and petal bands frame the roundel and the inner square panel
- Crimson corner brackets in the inner frame, a motif borrowed from Swati carved door panels
- Turquoise, crimson, and ivory vine border on the rim with saffron outlining and cut-out side handles
Specifications
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Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches (30 x 30 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 coffee service, bar cart styling, decorative wall display
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Care: Hand-wash with mild soap, dry immediately, avoid dishwashers, soaking, and abrasive scourers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is indigo the classic Swati colour?
Deep blue grounds were historically the most durable and the most prestigious in Swat Valley workshops, and gold liner work reads most clearly against them. The pairing carried over from painted architectural woodwork into trays, boxes, and furniture.
How does this differ from the chestnut medallion tray?
Both use a central roundel, but the indigo version has a symmetrical four-armed cross and ivory scallop bands, while the chestnut version uses asymmetric foliate sprays over gold scrollwork. They are companion designs rather than duplicates.
Can it hold a full tea service?
Yes. The 12-inch square surface takes a teapot, two to four cups, and a small sugar bowl, and the raised lip stops pieces sliding while the tray is carried.
Is the gold real metal leaf?
No. The gold is an oil-based metallic paint applied with a liner brush. It will not tarnish, and unlike leaf it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Handcrafted in Swat Valley, Pakistan. Minor variations in color and pattern are natural features of authentic handmade work.