Thai Buddhist Decorative Brass Serving Set
Decorative Art / Flatware • Unknown Thai artisans; likely produced for the export or tourist market
Style & Movement
Traditional Thai Folk Art / Mid-Century Decorative
Medium & Technique
Cast brass and carved wood (likely teak or rosewood) with pins and twisted metal stems
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1950-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Individual pieces approximately 8-10 inches in length; vertical orientation in set
Subject Description
A three-piece serving set consisting of a knife, three-tined fork, and spoon. The handles feature carved dark wood bookended by brass accents. The terminal ends of the handles are decorated with embossed figures representing Buddhist deities or mythological figures, commonly Thep Phanom (celestial beings kneeling with hands in prayer).
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows signs of age-appropriate oxidation and use
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $45 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased as a souvenir or gift set during the peak of Thai brass export in the mid-century period
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the post-WWII boom in Southeast Asian handicraft exports. While mass-produced, these items represent a specific era of Western interest in 'Exotic' and 'Orientalist' decorative domestic wares.
Notable Features
Twisted brass stems connecting the head to the handle; traditional Thai 'Siam' or 'Thailand' inscriptions often found on the reverse; iconic Thep Phanom iconography on the butt of the handles.
Condition Issues
Surface tarnish and spots of oxidation (green/brown) on the brass elements; minor scuffs on the wood surfaces; wear to the fine details of the embossed figures.
Conservation Recommendations
Careful cleaning with a non-abrasive brass polish; application of food-grade mineral oil to the wooden handles to prevent cracking; hand wash only.