Indian Rajasthan Carved Wood Box with Iron Mounts

This fine box of carved wood is from Rajasthan. It has the most extraordinary patina. It is held together with iron struts which themselves have exceptional patina. There are old repairs here and there and these too have ample age and patina. The box dates to the 19th century and possibly earlier. The design is medieval and in form, not unlike the reliquary boxes of medieval Europe.

The box has a high, domed roof from which a latched door opens. It sits on four baluster-form feet (one of the rear feet has a small pad underneath to ensure that the box sits flatly without rocking. The sides and domed roof are carved with roundels and geometric borders on all sides.

The box might have been used as a jewellery box, or indeed to store any other small, precious objects.

It is fine condition. There are old repairs here and there and several metal struts are later additions, but this adds to the item’s beauty and history as both a used, utilitarian item and a work of art.