During the course of the 17th and 20th centuries, most regions inhabited by ethnic Mongols, notably outer and inner Mongolia became part of the Qing Empire (The Machu). Since that time, Mongolians had begun to use the silver bowl in their daily lives. When a group of Mongolians was invited to a dinner with Manchu Emperors, men preferred to carry their silver-lined bowl with them for a very practical reason. It is said that when a poisoned liquid is poured into a silver vessel, the silver changes color and the owner knows not to drink the liquid offered.
Tea and other drinks are drunk out of bowls, most of which are made of wood and silver. They are decorated with intricate designs in Mongolian symbols, and craftsmen had been mastering on crafting different ornamented bowls.
Silver bowls are categorized by the time length of making and amount of silver used. The decoration of the silver bowl clearly demonstrates the skill of the artisans, as well as the quality and style of the silver.
Silver Sample | Percentage |
800 | 80.0 |
835 | 83.5 |
875 | 87.5 |
925 | 92.5 |
999 | 99.9 |
The table above represents if a silver sample of your bowl is 800, it includes 80% silver and other materials like wood and brass.
As widely used and greatly respected by the Mongolians, cast silver bowls are one of the most popular items made by blacksmiths. When casting a silver bowl, a special model of a bowl is used to shape the melted silver sheet with the help of various traditional tools and techniques. The most popular ornaments for silver bowls include the animal-ornaments symbolizing strength and power, such as the dragon and lion, and geometric ornaments symbolizing longevity and prosperity, such as ölzii khee.