A mid-20^th century Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) silver moon stone tray, Kandy circa 1940

Circular form with raised edge, the centre with a raised plain section with flat chased lines, embossed bands of concentric decorative elements such as foliate scrolls, waterfowl and a procession of elephants, brahman cattle, horses and lions based on the moonstone at the Anuradhapura palace.

Diameter – 30.3 cm / 12 inches

Weight – 314 grams / 10.1 ozt

The design for these trays is based upon the semi-circular carved stone bases found at the threshold of an entrance or stairway in Sri Lankan Anuradhapura period temples or palaces, termed moon stones or Sandakada Pahana.