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






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