An early to mid-19th century Greek or Balkan unmarked silver gilt and niello bowl, circa 1820-50 Of hemispherical form, with engraved and nielloed decoration of trophies of war interspersed with floral bouquets within lobed cartouches, with a central rosette underneath, all against a textured ground. Beaded band to rim. Diameter – 15.2 cm / 6 inches Weight – 200 grams / 6.43 ozt Bowls of this form and with niello decoration have often previously been described as Russian, there are documented examples engraved in Greek dated to the middle of the 19th century An example, with nielloed architectural scenes was sold Christie’s South Kensington, 30 June 2015, Lot 276 (£1,250 incl. premium) An example, together with a Russian salt was sold Christie’s London, 2 June 2014, Lot 378 (£5,000 incl, premium) An example with nielloed military trophies and architectural views, sold Sotheby’s New York, Oct 22 2002, lot 268 ($3,585 incl. premium) An example with nielloed allegorical figures, sold Sotheby’s London, 2 June 2015, Lot 250 (£3,750 incl. premium) An example dated 1840 with nielloed swags and figures, was offered Sotheby’s 4 June 2013, lot 418 An example dated 1856 and for Metsovo with nielloed figures and architecture was sold Sotheby’s 5 Oct 2011, lot 344 (£12,500 incl. premium) An example with nielloed trophies of war, sold Bonham’s New Bond Street, 15 April 2010, Lot 302 (£2,160 incl. premium)