Early Malay Silver Tray with Kris Emblem Design

• Scallop / Shell Motif - The shell motif has been used in furniture and decorative arts for centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome, shells were often used as decorative elements on furniture and in mosaics. The scallop or cockleshell are the most commonly used. During the Renaissance, the shell motif became popular in furniture and architecture, as the ornate decoration was seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury. In the 18th century, the Rococo style of furniture and decorative arts featured an abundance of shell motifs, and it was used by Thomas Chippendale and as a feature on Queen Anne style cabriole legs. In the 19th century, the shell motif was incorporated into Victorian furniture and decorative items, and often a representation of the the conch shell was inlaid into furniture.
  
  

• Chasing - The method of decorating gold and silver objects using a punch and hammer so that the design appears in relief. Flat or surface chasing is done from the front giving the item definition, but not cutting into the metal.
  
  Chasing is the opposite technique to repousse, but an object that has repousse work, may then have chasing applied to create a finished piece.
• Hammered - A hammered finish on metal wares is achieved by striking the surface of the metal with a hammer to create a series of small, uniform indentations. The indentations can be made in a variety of patterns and depths. The resulting surface texture can vary from a subtle, almost imperceptible texture to a highly textured surface with a strong, pronounced pattern.
  
  The hammered finish adds texture and visual interest to metal objects such as bowls, vases, and other decorative items. It can also be used to add grip or reduce glare on tools, weapons, and other functional metal objects.
  
  A hammered finish can be applied to a range of metals, including copper, brass, silver, and gold.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• trays, silver
  • silver, 20th century 371
  • silver, Victorian 179