Interesting damascene box,origin? Toledo?

[Guido.]

Hello Members
Not sure if I have said before? I collect interesting small boxes.
Not sure if suitable for this forum,
This small damascene box ,gold lines pressed on not technically inlaid (maybe still classed as inlay)

I would be interested in thoughts about it? if Toledo (Spain) work ,main center for this type of work for many hundreds of years.
Or because of Arabic designs ,if made in another country?
I feel very fine hand work . size 6inches x 5inches x 31/2inches high.

 

[Guido.]

more images.
Regards Guido

 

[Guido.]

Notice on beaded sections top and bottom on side,single loop(hook) shape one on top one on bottom form circle design around rim.I would think very slow process.

Regards Guido

 

[John B.]

Very interesting little box showing off lots of nice handwork.
That took an an hour or two to accomplish!!

 

[Frank P]

I guess that one comes from India. Moghul period maybe

 

[Guido.]

I guess that one comes from India. Moghul period maybe

Hello Frank P

Spot on you are correct.

I was just about to post in my research I have discovered that they were made in Rajasthan India circa 1850. The Technique is called Koftgari work.
It seems these boxes were made towards the end of the Mogul empire (ended 1857)

Their is one currently for sale in England ,very similar with side handles ,a shock for me to find out it is selling for 13times what I paid for mine (makes you feel good when this happens)

This other box I have posted is the same Koftkari work done in silver only,maybe similar area and period,timber ,Rose wood.

Notice hunter in box on elephant ,hunting tiger.
sad image,again interesting hand work.
Regards Guido.

 

[Frank P]

you must indeed be proud owner of a very nice collection, mister

 

[Guido.]

you must indeed be proud owner of a very nice collection, mister

Many thanks Frank
For your very kind words.
As I was a hands on craftsman for over 50 years (antique furniture restorer)

I value very much the fine skills that go into making all the amazing boxes I collect.
They are from many different countries.
I see you are from Switzerland,we spent some time there 4years ago very beautiful country,We visited the pretty village of Brienz know for its amazing woodcarving.
you may enjoy these frames that may have been made there.
the one with the painting used to be a mirror frame.
regards Guido.