Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed nowBy subscribing, you are agreeing to the privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Miscellaneous / Themed collection - 5 jewelry boxes in soapstone and...
Fascinating and elegant collectible lot consisting of five vintage jewelry boxes and pill boxes, entirely handmade through the carving and inlay of blocks of natural stone. The set stands out for an extraordinary color range, from warm olive green and sage green tones to a rare deep violet/purple with dark veining (visible in the hexagonal box). These artifacts are not mere industrial objects, but precious fruits of the refined traditional craftsmanship of Agra (India). The artisans of this historic district pass down from generation to generation the same strict carving and micro-mosaic techniques used in the seventeenth century by Mughal masters to decorate the majestic walls of the Taj Mahal. The exceptional feature of this collection lies precisely in the lids, worked with the sublime and ancient pietra dura inlay technique (locally known as Parchin Kari): each decorative element is a tiny mineral fragment inlaid edge-to-edge in the stone with surgical precision. Each lid is a homage to refined Eastern botany, characterized by stylized floral motifs that recall the grace of lotus flowers and lily buds, historic symbols of purity and elegance: - The white petals are made of precious mother-of-pearl, which catches the light, giving iridescent pearlescent and opalescent reflections at every move. - The red, vivid, scarlet buds are inlaid in hardstone (probably jasper or carnelian), creating a magnetic color contrast. - The stems and leaves are masterfully outlined in black hardstone, serving as a clear and clean graphic outline, emphasizing the geometric silhouette of the flowers. Thanks to the splendid variety of shapes (one heart-shaped box, one oval, and three hexagonal), this lot represents a perfect decorative display ensemble for a refined vanity or a cabinet of curiosities. Producer: Consorzio d'Arte degli Artigiani di Agra (Taj Mahal Style / Pietra Dura) Materials: Saponaria stone (steatite), veined marble, mother-of-pearl and assorted hardstones Quantity: 5 unique pieces Period: Second half of the 20th century (vintage artistic craft, circa the '60s/'70s) Condition: Vintage condition. The stone retains its natural luster and the inlays are splendidly secure and intact. They present the normal and fascinating irregularities typical of natural stone and of entirely manual workmanship. (Please view carefully the detailed photos). THE ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY Dimensions: approximately 4 to 8 cm
Estimate:£0.85
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorMiscellaneous
Estimate:
£0.85
Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed now
