posted 09-12-2020 12:28 PM            

I’ve had this letter opener for a few years. It was one of the first silver objects that started my very modest collection. From the little that I’ve read, I believe it is an Indonesian piece, in the style commonly referred to as ‘Yogya’, and the pattern is in a lotus motif. There are a few existing threads on this site already that address Yogya so please move this post to one of them if any moderator believes that to be a good idea. I’ve found a Dutch site that provides an excellent introduction to Yogya silver which I would like to provide a link for…provided that is appropriate:
( http://www.djokja.nl/watisdjokja.html ).
This site has a number of images but it also tells a pretty fascinating story of the history of Indonesian silver. (Google translate did a nice job). Originally I wanted to ask this forum how the blackening of the silver was achieved but the site I reference above answered that (achieved through fire or chemical means). The only questions that I have left are approximate age / date of manufacture, and any information on the DM makers mark. However, from what I’ve learned so far, makers marks are a little hard to pin down. I suspect that this may have originally been part of a larger desk or writing set including an ink well etc. but that’s just a guess.

Anyway I’m happy to share this. I really think the pattern is exceptional with tons of fine detail. And to think it was likely hand made.