Silver Lidded Chest

This fine, solid silver chest is of rectangular form with eight sides; four finely zoomorphic feet; a hinged, slightly domed lid; a lock latch; and a solid cast handle.

It is chased all over with scrolling foliage and flower motifs against a ring-mat background. The front and back are also decorated with pairs of birds amongst the foliage. Such scenes draw on the style of traditional stucco wall paintings in Kutch.

The chest is without dents, splits or repairs. Importantly, the lid fits evenly and well.

A related chest or casket is illustrated in Wilksinon (1999, p. 87).