A large mid-20th century Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) silver moonstone charger or tray, Kandy or Colombo dated 1945 Circular form with raised edge, the centre with a raised circular 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. Engraved to the centre with a presentation inscription reading “Presented to H. ONLEY Esor by Staff of the Cash Office, Colombo February 1945”. Unmarked. Diameter – 37.4 cm / 14.7 inches Weight – 921 grams / 29.61 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.