AN UNUSUAL INDIAN ENAMELLED SILVER GILT BOX WITH PAINTED INTERIOR

PROBABLY LUCKNOW, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY

Details

AN UNUSUAL INDIAN ENAMELLED SILVER GILT BOX WITH PAINTED INTERIOR
PROBABLY LUCKNOW, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form with slightly rounded hinged cover, the cover with an inset enamelled panel worked in various shades of green and blue with a bold design of two peonies surrounded by floral sprays, the sides of the box with more normal enamelled floral meander, the interior gilt, the interior of the lid with a miniature probably of Deccani origin depicting a recumbent lady on a terrace with a child in her arms, her pet below, clouds above with putto face and the face of the wind, slight damages
3 x 2 3/8 x 1 5/8in. (8 x 6 x 4.2cm.)

Lot Essay

This box has many unusual features. The boldness of the enamelled design of the cover is far larger in scale than is normally encountered on Indian items and possibly shows the influence of imported textiles. The painting on the interior is also unusual in that it is executed on different layers, attempting a three dimensional effect. The baby is on an applied panel and the clouds and wind are on another which is slightly further forward again.

More from Islamic

View All