A finely worked Koftgari damascene gold inlay on steel decorated casket form box. Possibly from Sialkot but certainly from the Kashmir area of North India at the time (now Pakistan). 19th century. 5 1/8 inches length, 3 1/3 inches wide, 3/3/8 inches high - also with ring handle on boss fitted to the top. Good condition (key not retained).
A later Mughal empire silver incense burner. The 800 silver marked bulbous vessel with repousse decoration of key fret border over scrolling vine pattern band over lotus pattern foot (marked 800 on the foot). The top with finial on lotus pattern cap, over an opewnork vine trellis band, over a chased scrolling vine pattern band, over a narrower key fret border. Lots of varied technique harmonizing to form the whole. 19th century. Must rotate the top a bit to find the optimal fit. Good condition. 3 1/2 inches diameter. 3 3/4 inches height to top of finial.
Mughal (Northern Indian) hand calligraphy and painted posthumous portrait of Sha Alumfrachu (Shah Alam II), born 1728, ruled from 1760, died 1807. Portrait painting (and perhaps also the calligraphy) by Baboor Alie Khan (court artist Babur Ali Khan), year of Muhammed 1265 (AD 1848), Good condition and with full translation on the verso. Sight size, 13 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches (the portrait itself, image area 6 x 3 5/8 inches). On the verso of the framed work, the back panel is fully visible with contemporaneous translation of the calligraphy to English, 14 x 10 1/2 inches, including commentary that the sitter reached the age of 80 years and 9 months; reigned for 48 years, 4 months and 3 days; was the son of Alumgeer 2nd; was born in Elahbad; ascended to the throne in Elahbad in 1760; and was buried in Mehroulee (the oldest inhabited area within Delhi).
A nicely formed multi-lobed bidri vase. Finely worked inlaid decoration. East India. Early 20th century. 10 1/2 inches high. Good condition.
A small bidri stem or bud vase. East Indian. Early 20th century. 6 1/2 inches high. Good condition.
A finely painted 19th century Indian manuscript leaf depicting a nighttime elephant ride by torchlight. Sight size: 9 inches by 6 inches. A slight vertical rub in the image area just to the right of the elephant (not terribly detracting), otherwise in good condition.
Kashmiri kangri in typical Mughal dynasty form (coal fueled warmer). Also sometimes called kanger or kangar. Used inside overcoat-like cloak (gingerly if you can imagine) or as a hand warmer if more form-fitting attire. It is difficult to imagine a metal example would have been used as such. This example may have served an alternative purpose. Metalworked examples of the form are not common - the typical materials being reed covered pottery (insulating one from burns.) Later, Raj silver services on rare occasion used the kangri form for service pieces such as creamers, sugars, tea pots, tea dumps, etc. We believe the present example should be at least early 19th century. This would make a wonderfully unusual and antique conversation piece. The whole with details crisply chiseled into the repousse decoration. The openworked, upper portion with a pair of pea fowl parading along the rim above a band of flower heads. The lower, bowl portion with similarly chiseled decoration of intricate vine and flowers among saz leaf paisleys forming a regular pattern atop a rather finely stippled ground. A flower head band again appears above a decorated, waisted foot with lattice worked, splayed rim. The beautiful verdigris patina appears to be an old, authentic patina acquired naturally over some time. We have found depth and persistence of a patina combined with an absence of metal corrosion to be a good indication of authentic, old patinas. The condition is good. A couple small areas of brighter green in the patina suggest a relatively high copper content. Color consistent with this premise shows from a minuscule 1.5mm point of disturbed patina on the side and some more along the foot rim. A bend along the foot rim suggests a commensurate degree of malleability. It could be used with potpourri or as a stand alone decorative work of art. Height: 6 5/8 inches (16.8cm)
