Box - India (Rajasthan) – Ancient opium/cosmetics box...

India (Rajasthan) – Ancient opium/powder box (Singardani) in turned and polychrome lacquered wood – Late 19th / Early 20th century Region of Rajasthan (North India). Superb and authentic small ritual covered box in turned wood, traditionally used for preserving opium (afeem) or cosmetic powders and beauty pigments (fard/kohl). The box is topped by a detachable lid with a conical grip shaped like a button or a stupa dome. The whole piece is finished with traditional handmade lacquer work blending ochre, yellow, and vermilion red tones. Its distinctive feature lies in its remarkable network of superficial craquelure (natural lacquer aging effect) forming an extremely aesthetically pleasing mesh. The inside of the box and lid still retains its intense magenta/red pigments. Technical characteristics Origin: India (Rajasthan) Era: Late 19th century – Early 20th century Material: Turned wood, natural polychromic lacquer (lacquerwork) Height: 11 cm (see photo with a tape measure) Weight: 130 g Overall condition: Fine antique condition with a magnificent patina of use. Lacquer & Surface: Very pronounced and uniform original craquelure across the entire lacquer, attesting to its age and natural drying of the resins. Minor flaking and small minor edge/base wear. Structure: The lid fits perfectly. The wood beneath the base shows its porosity and natural authenticity.

Estimate:£126.4

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