This small silver bowl has an interesting ten-sided design and a round base. It is decorated with a repoussé floral border with a large central figure on the bottom. It would have been used for a variety of purposes but probably served mainly as a finger bowl. The bowl is said to have been the property of Raja Nong of Rhio. Historically, Southeast Asia had very limited natural sources of silver so trade was an important way in which silver was acquired. Like many of the important historical centres of Southeast Asia, Riau produced few commodities of its own. However, its location at the entrance to the Straits of Malacca made it a key trade location particularly in the 18th century. The rulers and traders of Riau generated extraordinary wealth through trade and this silver bowl is a testament to the period of prosperity in the Riau-Lingga Archipelago.
