In the recorded history of Nielloware the different types of uses for this art form have remained somewhat consistent. In general, the objects that have been enhanced with Niello range from jewelry and different types of dishes and platters to small statuettes. Some of the objects decorated with Niello include social objects, for instance, small boxes and other types of containers, book covers, buckles, knife handles, swords and pendants; as well as ecclesiastic artifacts such as crosses, paxes, reliquaries, altars and sacred cups and vessels.
In Thailand, Nielloware objects have been used as "royal utensils, insignia of high-level government officials, and as tribute or royal gifts."[53] According to Pandit (1991) there was a restriction preventing the use of gold ornaments by commoners during the Dvaravati period (1st to 5th c.) as well as during the Sukhothai period (12th and 13th c.). Punjabhan [54] notes that some popular Niello articles are cigarette boxes, powder boxes, photo frames and silver trays. Furthermore, trays with betel nut sets have been made using Niello, but this type of object seems to continue to lose popularity.
