A beautifully hand-wrought and hand-chased rectangular brass tray featuring intricate arabesque decoration and elegant Arabic calligraphy. The center bears the Shahada (“There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”), while the top and bottom bands are inscribed with verses from the Ayat al-Kursi (Qur’an 2:255).

Most likely (60–70% probability) this piece originates from Indo-Persian / North India (Moradabad), c. 1900–1935. Workshops in this region produced rectangular serving platters with distinctive crimped, lobed rims, decorated by hand with dense floral scroll-work and Arabic inscriptions, often destined for the wider Islamic market. On Indian examples, the calligraphy is frequently rendered in Arabic Thuluth, as on this tray, rather than Persian Nastaʿlīq.

Top band: Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa al-Hayyul-Qayyum
Center: Lā ilāha illā Allāh, Muhammadun Rasūlu Allāh (Shahada)
Bottom band: Lahu ma fi as-samawati wa ma fi al-ard

The tray shows its age well. Has good patina, though polished some time in past 50 years. Has not been cleaned, other than simple dusting.

Was used as a wall hanger. The original hangers appear to have come loose and been reattached by a previous owner (see photos of the back).

Dimensions:
39-3/8"W
22-1/8"H
1"D

Condition: Very good antique/vintage condition with age-appropriate wear.