This tray epitomizes the restrained elegance of design found in Gujarati silver plate prior to the stylistic dominance in the 19th century of the exuberant vegetal matrix that enlivens the celebrated Kutch silver of Gujarat. In the center of the tray is a bi-level lotus medallion. Radiating outward are concentric bands of decoration demarcated by plain narrow borders. The first and third bands are rows of short crenulations. The wider middle band has a flowering vine scroll set against a dimpled ground. Beyond the medallion is a plain expanse with four delicately stippled Mughal-style flowering plants oriented at perpendicular axes, one of which is flanked by peacocks. Unlike analogous flowering plants on contemporaneous bidri-ware trays, which generally extend outward from an inner ring of decoration, on the LACMA tray the flowering plants issue from the outer edge of the central plane and grow inward towards the epicenter. The central plane terminates in a band of inverted crenulations pendant from a pearl border, plain narrow borders, and a repetitive band of poppy blossoms alternating with foliate bracts. A short vessel wall angles upward to a band of vertical fluting followed by a shallow concave trough and a plain edge. On the bottom are two inventory inscriptions. One reads "Sa. Shaa. Na." in a stippled Devanagari script.
The tray was originally made for serving betel nut quids, sweetmeats and other delicacies, and for presenting ceremonial presents or offerings.