Theeblad

About this artwork

Theeblad van teakhout met zilveren randen. Afkomstig uit Sulawesi (Bone en Goa).

Art Historical Context

This exquisite tea tray, known as *Theeblad*, hails from the regions of Bone and Goa in Sulaw, Indonesia, dating to sometime between circa 1700 and 1900. Crafted anonymously by skilled local artisans, it features a base of fine teak wood framed with elegant silver edges, measuring approximately 6 cm high, 47.5 cm wide, and 35 cm deep. The teak provides a warm, durable surface ideal for serving tea or traditional refreshments, while the silver borders add a touch of opulence, elevating it from everyday use to a status symbol in aristocratic households. In the historical context of Sulawesi's Bone and Goa sultanates—powerful Islamic kingdoms that navigated trade, warfare, and Dutch colonial pressures during the 18th and 19th centuries—such trays embodied cultural refinement. Teak, sourced locally, was prized for its resistance to humidity and insects, while silverwork reflected advanced metalworking techniques influenced by regional trade networks spanning India, China, and Europe. These trays were likely used in ceremonial settings, showcasing hospitality and wealth amid a vibrant tradition of Bugis-Makassar craftsmanship. Today, this artifact offers a glimpse into everyday luxury of Indonesia's pre-colonial elite, highlighting the fusion of natural materials and precious metals in functional art. Its anonymous creation underscores the communal mastery of Sulawesi's artisans, making it a treasured piece in any collection.

About the Artist

anonymous

In the vast tapestry of art history, "Anonymous" stands not as a singular individual but as a collective designation for countless unidentified creators whose works have endured across millennia. These artists, spanning prehistoric cave painters to medieval illuminators and folk craftsmen, produced the foundational layers of human visual culture. Prior to the Renaissance, when individual fame emer...