Rare Mughal Silver Mango Spice Box Set

This highly unusual and possibly unique spice box set comprises one central mango box with eight other boxes – seven shaped as smaller mangoes and one is cylindrical. Each is connected to the others by means of hinged flanges shaped as leaves. The boxes are arranged so that the overall array is that of a large mango.

The top of the set has a suspension loop. This alone is beautifully made. It is possible that this loop was to secure the set to a board which was then passed around.

Each box likely held sweet and aromatic spices and seeds that could be chewed at the end of a banquet to freshen the breath of the attendees.

It is likely that such an item only would have been made for a princely family – one of the many Mughal and related Islamic princely houses of northern India.