ca. 1890–1920 India or Burma (likely Kutch or Mandalay) Silver Filigree Covered Box with Scroll Handles and Floral Finial (180 grams)

$650.00
This elaborately decorated silver box exemplifies the mature filigree tradition practiced in colonial-era South and Southeast Asia, particularly within the silversmithing centers of Kutch in western India and Mandalay in Burma. The vessel is constructed entirely of solid silver, with fine hand-wrought filigree comprising its structural and decorative elements. It features a cylindrical form with a tightly fitted lid, resting on three silver ball feet. The body and cover are composed of meticulously soldered twisted wire, coiled and arranged into layered wave and scroll motifs bordered by geometric lattices. Twin scrolled side handles are executed in spiraled rod and flat scrollwork, echoing the stylistic tendencies of both Kutch repoussé and Burmese ornamental silver. A stylized floral finial crowns the lid, itself ringed by swirling arabesque embellishments in applied silver filigree. Notable is the presence of a triple-leaf appliqué on one side, suggestive of symbolic or local decorative vocabulary. The absence of hallmarks is consistent with silverwork produced for domestic use or regional export during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This object’s technique and decorative vocabulary place it firmly within the broader Indo-Burmese filigree tradition, which flourished under both indigenous patronage and colonial market demand. Its size and weight suggest it may have originally served as a betel nut container, spice box, or decorative object. Check out some of my other mixed sterling silver holloware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=19121632 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
This elaborately decorated silver box exemplifies the mature filigree tradition practiced in colonial-era South and Southeast Asia, particularly within the silversmithing centers of Kutch in western India and Mandalay in Burma. The vessel is constructed entirely of solid silver, with fine hand-wrought filigree comprising its structural and decorative elements. It features a cylindrical form with a tightly fitted lid, resting on three silver ball feet. The body and cover are composed of meticulously soldered twisted wire, coiled and arranged into layered wave and scroll motifs bordered by geometric lattices. Twin scrolled side handles are executed in spiraled rod and flat scrollwork, echoing the stylistic tendencies of both Kutch repoussé and Burmese ornamental silver. A stylized floral finial crowns the lid, itself ringed by swirling arabesque embellishments in applied silver filigree. Notable is the presence of a triple-leaf appliqué on one side, suggestive of symbolic or local decorative vocabulary. The absence of hallmarks is consistent with silverwork produced for domestic use or regional export during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This object’s technique and decorative vocabulary place it firmly within the broader Indo-Burmese filigree tradition, which flourished under both indigenous patronage and colonial market demand. Its size and weight suggest it may have originally served as a betel nut container, spice box, or decorative object. Check out some of my other mixed sterling silver holloware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=19121632 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP