Indian, Lucknow
Box, late 19th century
Silver, partly gilded, 10 x 11.5 cm (3 15/16 x 4 1/2 in.)
Silver box with a circular base made in India that is round, with lobed sides. The size can be compared to a navel orange. The box is made in fine repoussé technique, when motif is hammered into relief from the reverse side of the surface. It creates a low profile intricate flower design. There are grooves in between the designs that make the box look like a tent. The lid is topped with a bird finial. The inside of the box features a gold gilded surface.
Macknight Room
Commentary
This elegantly lobed box in fine repoussé work may have been acquired by Mrs. Gardner in Lucknow, a city known for the production of fine silver, often enameled, in the nineteenth century. It may have been made as a betel box (pandam) for the tourist market.