Themed collection - 5 jewelry boxes in soapstone and marble - inlays in mother-of-pearl, 1960s - Artigianato Artistico di Agra (Stile Taj Mahal)
02
days
12
hours
47
minutes
15
seconds
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142038 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Five unique jewelry boxes set in soapstone and veined marble with mother-of-pearl inlays and hard stones, dating to the second half of the 20th century and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Fascinating and elegant collectible lot consisting of five vintage jewelry boxes and pill boxes, entirely handmade through the carving and inlay of blocks of natural stone. The set stands out for an extraordinary color range, from warm olive green and sage green tones to a rare deep violet/purple with dark veining (visible in the hexagonal box).
These artifacts are not mere industrial objects, but precious fruits of the refined traditional craftsmanship of Agra (India). The artisans of this historic district pass down from generation to generation the same strict carving and micro-mosaic techniques used in the seventeenth century by Mughal masters to decorate the majestic walls of the Taj Mahal.
The exceptional feature of this collection lies precisely in the lids, worked with the sublime and ancient pietra dura inlay technique (locally known as Parchin Kari): each decorative element is a tiny mineral fragment inlaid edge-to-edge in the stone with surgical precision.
Each lid is a homage to refined Eastern botany, characterized by stylized floral motifs that recall the grace of lotus flowers and lily buds, historic symbols of purity and elegance:
- The white petals are made of precious mother-of-pearl, which catches the light, giving iridescent pearlescent and opalescent reflections at every move.
- The red, vivid, scarlet buds are inlaid in hardstone (probably jasper or carnelian), creating a magnetic color contrast.
- The stems and leaves are masterfully outlined in black hardstone, serving as a clear and clean graphic outline, emphasizing the geometric silhouette of the flowers.
Thanks to the splendid variety of shapes (one heart-shaped box, one oval, and three hexagonal), this lot represents a perfect decorative display ensemble for a refined vanity or a cabinet of curiosities.
Producer: Consorzio d'Arte degli Artigiani di Agra (Taj Mahal Style / Pietra Dura)
Materials: Saponaria stone (steatite), veined marble, mother-of-pearl and assorted hardstones
Quantity: 5 unique pieces
Period: Second half of the 20th century (vintage artistic craft, circa the '60s/'70s)
Condition: Vintage condition. The stone retains its natural luster and the inlays are splendidly secure and intact. They present the normal and fascinating irregularities typical of natural stone and of entirely manual workmanship. (Please view carefully the detailed photos).
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
Dimensions: approximately 4 to 8 cm
Seller's Story
Welcome to our Catawiki store. Our journey in online sales began back in 2004, driven by a clear vision: creating online auctions dedicated to high-value objects.
Today, more than twenty years later, we carry forward that exact same vision. We are proud to have remained a small, family-run business, yet operating with the solidity and scale of major industry professionals: each year, we welcome more than 100 new clients, purchase over 150 lots, and select between 3,000 and 5,000 unique items to offer you.
Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from the initial find to the final delivery to your doorstep:
• A Purchase with Social Value: Buying from us means securing a great deal while actively supporting the future of young Italian students. We collaborate closely with 3 graphic design and advertising schools in Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco.
We invest our time and expertise to teach these students the secrets of online sales, professional photography, and marketing. By choosing us, you are tangibly contributing to their education and career paths.
• Field Research and Discovery: For years, we have been personally scouting the most remote locations across Lombardy to find unique pieces, rarities, oddities, and mid-century modern design.
• We Invest Our Own Capital: We do not sell on consignment. We invest our own capital upfront to purchase and restore every single item, taking on all the risks ourselves.
• Direct Dealings with No Intermediaries: We manage every single price personally.
This allows us to eliminate third-party costs and ensure you get the best possible profit margin as a buyer or collector.
• Meticulous Restoration and Quality Control: We get our hands dirty. Every item is carefully restored and verified with an obsessive eye for detail before going up for auction.
• Secure and Eco-Friendly Shipping: To prevent inflated shipping costs and ensure indestructible packaging, my wife and I head out almost every evening, often at unusual hours, to collect heavy-duty industrial cardboard from businesses in our neighborhood.
We hand-select only pre-evaluated, ultra-resistant materials to offer you maximum protection at the lowest possible cost.
Choosing our lots means relying on the historic expertise of a family that has lived this passion since 2004, while investing in the next generation. Our schools and students thank you deeply for your trust.
Happy bidding!
Translated by Google TranslateFascinating and elegant collectible lot consisting of five vintage jewelry boxes and pill boxes, entirely handmade through the carving and inlay of blocks of natural stone. The set stands out for an extraordinary color range, from warm olive green and sage green tones to a rare deep violet/purple with dark veining (visible in the hexagonal box).
These artifacts are not mere industrial objects, but precious fruits of the refined traditional craftsmanship of Agra (India). The artisans of this historic district pass down from generation to generation the same strict carving and micro-mosaic techniques used in the seventeenth century by Mughal masters to decorate the majestic walls of the Taj Mahal.
The exceptional feature of this collection lies precisely in the lids, worked with the sublime and ancient pietra dura inlay technique (locally known as Parchin Kari): each decorative element is a tiny mineral fragment inlaid edge-to-edge in the stone with surgical precision.
Each lid is a homage to refined Eastern botany, characterized by stylized floral motifs that recall the grace of lotus flowers and lily buds, historic symbols of purity and elegance:
- The white petals are made of precious mother-of-pearl, which catches the light, giving iridescent pearlescent and opalescent reflections at every move.
- The red, vivid, scarlet buds are inlaid in hardstone (probably jasper or carnelian), creating a magnetic color contrast.
- The stems and leaves are masterfully outlined in black hardstone, serving as a clear and clean graphic outline, emphasizing the geometric silhouette of the flowers.
Thanks to the splendid variety of shapes (one heart-shaped box, one oval, and three hexagonal), this lot represents a perfect decorative display ensemble for a refined vanity or a cabinet of curiosities.
Producer: Consorzio d'Arte degli Artigiani di Agra (Taj Mahal Style / Pietra Dura)
Materials: Saponaria stone (steatite), veined marble, mother-of-pearl and assorted hardstones
Quantity: 5 unique pieces
Period: Second half of the 20th century (vintage artistic craft, circa the '60s/'70s)
Condition: Vintage condition. The stone retains its natural luster and the inlays are splendidly secure and intact. They present the normal and fascinating irregularities typical of natural stone and of entirely manual workmanship. (Please view carefully the detailed photos).
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
Dimensions: approximately 4 to 8 cm
Seller's Story
Welcome to our Catawiki store. Our journey in online sales began back in 2004, driven by a clear vision: creating online auctions dedicated to high-value objects.
Today, more than twenty years later, we carry forward that exact same vision. We are proud to have remained a small, family-run business, yet operating with the solidity and scale of major industry professionals: each year, we welcome more than 100 new clients, purchase over 150 lots, and select between 3,000 and 5,000 unique items to offer you.
Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from the initial find to the final delivery to your doorstep:
• A Purchase with Social Value: Buying from us means securing a great deal while actively supporting the future of young Italian students. We collaborate closely with 3 graphic design and advertising schools in Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco.
We invest our time and expertise to teach these students the secrets of online sales, professional photography, and marketing. By choosing us, you are tangibly contributing to their education and career paths.
• Field Research and Discovery: For years, we have been personally scouting the most remote locations across Lombardy to find unique pieces, rarities, oddities, and mid-century modern design.
• We Invest Our Own Capital: We do not sell on consignment. We invest our own capital upfront to purchase and restore every single item, taking on all the risks ourselves.
• Direct Dealings with No Intermediaries: We manage every single price personally.
This allows us to eliminate third-party costs and ensure you get the best possible profit margin as a buyer or collector.
• Meticulous Restoration and Quality Control: We get our hands dirty. Every item is carefully restored and verified with an obsessive eye for detail before going up for auction.
• Secure and Eco-Friendly Shipping: To prevent inflated shipping costs and ensure indestructible packaging, my wife and I head out almost every evening, often at unusual hours, to collect heavy-duty industrial cardboard from businesses in our neighborhood.
We hand-select only pre-evaluated, ultra-resistant materials to offer you maximum protection at the lowest possible cost.
Choosing our lots means relying on the historic expertise of a family that has lived this passion since 2004, while investing in the next generation. Our schools and students thank you deeply for your trust.
Happy bidding!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of objects
5
Type
5 jewelry boxes in soapstone and marble - inlays in mother-of-pearl, 1960s
Brand
Artigianato Artistico di Agra (Stile Taj Mahal)
Period
Mid 20th century
Condition
Good
Sold by
