Brass · Fes

Engraved Brass Plate / Charger

Large decorative brass plates with hand-engraved arabesque, geometric, and calligraphic designs. Used as wall art or under-plates.

History & Cultural Context

Decorative brass plates are among the most common items in the Seffarine quarter of Fes. The tradition of engraving circular brass plates dates back centuries, with patterns ranging from geometric stars to intricate arabesques and Quranic calligraphy.

Materials

Brass discHammered flat and polished brass sheet

Production Techniques

Hand-engraving with burinsTraditional
Patterns carved into brass surface using steel engraving tools

Production Notes

Brass disc hammered flat and polished, then engraved by hand with steel burins. Patterns are drawn freehand from memory. A highly detailed large plate takes 3–10 days of engraving.

Quality Indicators

Quality

Deep, crisp engraving lines with detailComplex pattern fills entire surface

Red Flags

Acid-etched rather than hand-engraved

Price Ranges

Budget80 – 250 MAD(~$8 – $25)

Small plates (20–30cm), simple patterns

Mid-range250 – 700 MAD(~$25 – $70)

Medium plates (40–50cm), detailed engraving

Premium700 – 2000 MAD(~$70 – $200)

Large plates (60cm+), complex full-surface engraving

Luxury2000 – 5000 MAD(~$200 – $500)

Exceptional master engraver work, calligraphic, wall-mounted with frame