Trinket box - Papier-mache - India - Early 20th century

04
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16
hours
38
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Sarah Le Helley
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Selected by Sarah Le Helley

Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller

Polychrome covered box with floral decoration
19th century
India, Kashmir region
Polychrome and varnished papier-mâché
Dimensions: 19 × 17 × 17 cm

Large octagonal lidded box, made of polychrome varnished papier-mâché. The body is punctuated by rectangular panels outlined in red and black, each bearing a stylized floral motif painted in red, white and green on a yellow background rich with a dense vegetal ornament.

The domed lid, particularly elaborate, is carved into several superimposed, scalloped registers evoking the unfolded petals of a lotus. Its summit is occupied by a large relief floral composition, arranged around a central knop. The red-orange borders outlining the different levels reinforce the architectural effect and the sculptural character of the piece.

The painted and varnished papier-mâché technique as well as the floral repertoire link this piece to productions from northern India, probably Kashmir, a region particularly renowned in the 19th century for its richly decorated papier-mâché objects. This box, however, stands out for its strongly pronounced modelling and for its deliberately expressive execution.

Condition:
Good overall condition. Some wear and rubbing of the polychromy as well as of the varnish, with chips, gaps and occasional losses. Interior showing signs of use. Complete with its lid and retaining a substantial portion of its original polychrome decoration.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

Polychrome covered box with floral decoration
19th century
India, Kashmir region
Polychrome and varnished papier-mâché
Dimensions: 19 × 17 × 17 cm

Large octagonal lidded box, made of polychrome varnished papier-mâché. The body is punctuated by rectangular panels outlined in red and black, each bearing a stylized floral motif painted in red, white and green on a yellow background rich with a dense vegetal ornament.

The domed lid, particularly elaborate, is carved into several superimposed, scalloped registers evoking the unfolded petals of a lotus. Its summit is occupied by a large relief floral composition, arranged around a central knop. The red-orange borders outlining the different levels reinforce the architectural effect and the sculptural character of the piece.

The painted and varnished papier-mâché technique as well as the floral repertoire link this piece to productions from northern India, probably Kashmir, a region particularly renowned in the 19th century for its richly decorated papier-mâché objects. This box, however, stands out for its strongly pronounced modelling and for its deliberately expressive execution.

Condition:
Good overall condition. Some wear and rubbing of the polychromy as well as of the varnish, with chips, gaps and occasional losses. Interior showing signs of use. Complete with its lid and retaining a substantial portion of its original polychrome decoration.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Early 20th century
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
India
Material
Papier-mache
Height
19 cm
Width
17 cm
Title of artwork
Trinket box
Depth
17 cm
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
PortugalVerified
199
Objects sold
100%
protop

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