Massive Mughal Parcel-Gilt Silver Jewel Casket

This massive, heavy casket of near-pure silver almost certainly was intended to hold jewels, and would have been made for use by a princely family or similar. It is complete – all components are present including the interior compartments (which more usually would have been removed and sold for scrap) and the side rings which are wrapped with silver wire in the 18th century manner. It weighs 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) and is surprisingly heavy in the hand.

It has its origins in Mughal Delhi, Lucknow, or one of the other Northern Indian capitals.

It comprises the outside box with its hinged cover, an interior lift-out tray with a lidded storage compartment either side and a central unlidded compartment, and once this is lifted out, the base of the box is revealed showing two further lidded compartments on either side.

The top of the box is fitted with a solid-cast carrying handle. The cover is secured with an engraved latch to allow for locking, as are the covers of each of the interior compartments. The sides of the top are beveled. The top is engraved with a central, raised rectangular field of flower motifs, and an outside border of more flower motifs. This border is mirrored on all sides of the box, top and bottom, and also on the covers of the interior compartments.

The bands of engraving, including on the interior, have been gilded but on the exterior much of this has softened and worn away with time and use.

On each side of the box the top is further secured to the box with multiple strands of silver chains – these are both decorative and functional: they help support the weight of the lid when the box is open. No expense has been spared on these chains. One on each side would have sufficed but four thick strands have been used on each side.

The manner of decoration, proportions and construction of this casket or box have parallels with an 18th century gilded rosewater casket attributed to Lucknow and illustrated in Markel (2010, p. 210), and to a small casket in Terlinden (1987, p. 154), attributed to 18th century Northern India and the Mughal capitals.

This is a museum-worthy piece. It is in excellent condition. It is heavy – there was no economising on silver in its construction. We have not seen another box of this size and type, and from this period, published or otherwise. The photographs here do not adequately capture the spectacular nature of this piece.