Indian Green Bowenite Box with Fine Silver Mounts

This elegant, rectangular box is composed entirely of bowenite panels and silver. (Bowenite, with its jade-like colour, is a type of serpentinite and is classed as a semi-precious stone much used by the Russian court jewellers Faberge. Mines in Afghanistan were the main source for Indian craftsman.)

The panel that comprises the hinged lid is beautifully bevelled on all sides.

The hinges and the miniature latch at the front are of silver, which has become smoothed with time giving it a pleasing, buttery patina. Overall, this casket is in excellent condition without any repairs or losses.

See lot 327 of Christie’s ‘Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds’, 26 April 2012 for another bowenite casket, albeit in very poor condition.