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Monumental Mughal Brass and Copper Calligraphy Tray Table, India, circa 1920
A monumental early-20th-century Indian brass and copper tray table, attributed to Rajasthan and dating to approximately 1920. Impressive in both scale and craftsmanship, this extraordinary low table combines a richly worked antique metal tray with a newly custom-made iron base, creating a functional coffee table with the presence of a significant work of Islamic decorative art.
The expansive rectangular tray is handcrafted in copper and embellished with applied brass decoration. Its recessed central field is densely worked with Arabic-script calligraphy, scrolling arabesques, geometric borders and finely chased ornamental bands. The calligraphic decoration is organized in the Indo-Persian and Mamluk Revival tradition, reflecting the historic exchange of artistic vocabulary between Mughal India, Persia, Ottoman workshops and the Islamic metalworking centers of Cairo and Damascus.
A broad raised border surrounds the central field, articulated with a rhythmic sequence of rounded repoussé bosses. Large sculptural handles extend from both ends of the tray, giving the piece an imposing overall width of 66.5 inches. The aged copper and brass surfaces retain a warm, softly burnished patina with oxidation, rubbing and tonal variation that reveal the tray’s age and handcrafted construction.
The elaborate metalwork has been described historically as Qur’anic or Koranic calligraphy. However, because the inscriptions have not been independently translated, they are identified conservatively here as Arabic-script calligraphic decoration, possibly devotional in nature. This more precise description preserves the table’s important Islamic artistic character without making an unverified claim about the specific text.
The antique tray rests on a newly fabricated blackened iron base designed specifically to accommodate its substantial proportions. The restrained linear construction of the stand provides stable support while allowing the highly detailed metal surface and sculptural handles to remain the visual focus. At approximately 17.25 inches high, the completed piece functions beautifully as a monumental cocktail table, low coffee table or central salon table.
Its generous 57-by-33-inch tray surface offers ample room for entertaining, books or decorative objects, although the intricate calligraphy and metalwork are striking enough to be displayed with minimal styling. The removable tray may also be appreciated separately as an oversized example of Indian Islamic metalwork.
This antique Mughal-style tray table would be an exceptional focal point in a Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Moorish, Islamic, British Colonial, Indo-Persian, maximalist or sophisticated contemporary interior. It is especially well suited to a large living room, library, collector’s salon, hotel lobby or luxury hospitality setting where its monumental scale can be fully appreciated.
Dimensions:
Overall with handles and custom base: 66.5 in. W × 33 in. D × 17.25 in. H
Tray without handles: 57 in. W × 33 in. D × 2 in. H
Each handle: approximately 11 in. × 6 in.
Origin: Attributed to Rajasthan, India
Date: Circa 1920
Period: Early 20th century
Style: Mughal Revival, Indo-Persian, Islamic and Mamluk Revival
Materials: Copper, brass and iron
Techniques: Handcrafted, chased, engraved, repoussé and applied metal decoration
Creator: Unknown
Base: Newly custom-made blackened iron base
Condition: Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The copper and brass retain oxidation, rubbing, surface variation and an aged patina. The iron base is a later custom addition.
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Early 20th Century Indian Islamic Copper Tray Tables