Fine, North Indian Engraved Silver Box

This superb cylindrical silver box is from Mughal or northern India and shows significant Persian influence as transmitted through Kashmir. The decoration mirrors that often found on some manuscript illuminations and lacquerware.

It has a hinged cover and a loop at the front to permit a lock to be applied. There is a rococo-influenced, solid-cast silver handle fixed to the top of the box.

The sides and cover are all densely engraved with foliage, flowers and shrubbery within which small animals frolic – birds, squirrels and birds. The birds look like pheasants which roam the English countryside, but in fact these are an introduced species from India.

The box might have been used to hold paan (betel), spices, perfumes, or jewellery. Its elegant proportions suggest it was intended for a lady.

It is in excellent condition. We have not seen another quite like it.