Gold niello bowl, tray, ladle

In the twentieth century, nielloware was no longer a symbol of status but a modern celebration of traditional Thai culture. Although some of these items resemble the water bowls and tea sets gifted in the nineteenth century, several clearly represent a modern interpretation. The container shaped like a bell pepper gifted to First Lady Laura Bush by Queen Sirikit exemplifies how the repertoire for these objects expanded to include new shapes. -
Gift from Their Majesties to President Richard M. Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon, 1969