Box - Wood
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Antique Indian lacquered wooden box with a domed lid and Mughal-influenced floral ornament, circa 1850–1900; wood from India, height 18 cm, width 19 cm, depth 19 cm, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Antique Indian Lacquered Wooden Box with Domed Lid – Mughal-Influenced Floral Motif, circa 1850–1900
A striking piece of 19th-century Indian folk craftsmanship, this hand-turned wooden box is finished in rich red lacquer and topped with a graceful domed lid, crowned by an elegant bud-shaped finial. The entire surface — lid, dome, and body — is densely hand-incised with Mughal-inspired ornamentation: radiating rosettes and stylized lotus medallions encircled by finely carved feathered leaves, all set within crisp banding rendered in contrasting dark lacquer.
The form itself is a delight: a generous, bell-like silhouette that flares gracefully outward at the base, giving the piece real visual weight and presence despite its compact footprint (approx. H 18 cm, W 19 cm, D 19 cm). The hand-carved decoration was almost certainly worked with a fine blade directly into the lacquered wood while the material was still workable — a laborious, skilled technique typical of regional lacquerware traditions of the Indian subcontinent, where such vessels were traditionally used to hold jewelry, cosmetics, or ceremonial offerings.
Age is evident and welcome here: the lacquer shows the warm, uneven patina, craquelure, and small honest losses one expects of a genuine hand-made object well over a century old — evidence of long use and survival rather than damage that detracts from its character. These are the fingerprints of authenticity that collectors specifically look for, distinguishing a true period piece from a modern reproduction.
Pieces of this quality, with this density of hand-carved decoration and this level of surviving original lacquer, rarely appear on the market in this condition. A wonderful decorative and collectible object for anyone with an interest in Indian folk art, Mughal-era design influence, or antique lacquerware.
Seller's Story
We are a family-run business with over 50 years of experience in the art and antiques trade. Over the decades, we have built a strong network that allows us to source unique and authentic pieces from all around the world.
Our collection focuses primarily on Islamic art and European antiques, where we have developed deep expertise. We carefully select each item, ensuring quality, authenticity, and historical value. Many of our pieces are sourced from private collections, estate sales, and long-established dealers across different countries.
We are passionate about preserving history and offering collectors rare and meaningful objects. Whether it is a finely crafted Islamic artifact or a distinctive European decorative piece, we take pride in presenting items that carry both cultural and artistic significance.
Customer trust and satisfaction are at the core of our business, and we strive to provide accurate descriptions and a transparent buying experience
Antique Indian Lacquered Wooden Box with Domed Lid – Mughal-Influenced Floral Motif, circa 1850–1900
A striking piece of 19th-century Indian folk craftsmanship, this hand-turned wooden box is finished in rich red lacquer and topped with a graceful domed lid, crowned by an elegant bud-shaped finial. The entire surface — lid, dome, and body — is densely hand-incised with Mughal-inspired ornamentation: radiating rosettes and stylized lotus medallions encircled by finely carved feathered leaves, all set within crisp banding rendered in contrasting dark lacquer.
The form itself is a delight: a generous, bell-like silhouette that flares gracefully outward at the base, giving the piece real visual weight and presence despite its compact footprint (approx. H 18 cm, W 19 cm, D 19 cm). The hand-carved decoration was almost certainly worked with a fine blade directly into the lacquered wood while the material was still workable — a laborious, skilled technique typical of regional lacquerware traditions of the Indian subcontinent, where such vessels were traditionally used to hold jewelry, cosmetics, or ceremonial offerings.
Age is evident and welcome here: the lacquer shows the warm, uneven patina, craquelure, and small honest losses one expects of a genuine hand-made object well over a century old — evidence of long use and survival rather than damage that detracts from its character. These are the fingerprints of authenticity that collectors specifically look for, distinguishing a true period piece from a modern reproduction.
Pieces of this quality, with this density of hand-carved decoration and this level of surviving original lacquer, rarely appear on the market in this condition. A wonderful decorative and collectible object for anyone with an interest in Indian folk art, Mughal-era design influence, or antique lacquerware.
Seller's Story
We are a family-run business with over 50 years of experience in the art and antiques trade. Over the decades, we have built a strong network that allows us to source unique and authentic pieces from all around the world.
Our collection focuses primarily on Islamic art and European antiques, where we have developed deep expertise. We carefully select each item, ensuring quality, authenticity, and historical value. Many of our pieces are sourced from private collections, estate sales, and long-established dealers across different countries.
We are passionate about preserving history and offering collectors rare and meaningful objects. Whether it is a finely crafted Islamic artifact or a distinctive European decorative piece, we take pride in presenting items that carry both cultural and artistic significance.
Customer trust and satisfaction are at the core of our business, and we strive to provide accurate descriptions and a transparent buying experience
Details
Era
1400-1900
Country of origin
India
Material
Wood
Dynastic style/period
Mughal Empire (1526-1857)
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
18 cm
Width
19 cm
Depth
19 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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