{"product_id":"cast-brass-horse-form-casket-dhokra","title":"Cast Brass Horse-Form Casket (Dhokra)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eItem: \u003cbr\u003eAdditional Description\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA sculptural cast brass horse-form casket featuring an elongated oval body supported on four integral legs with a stylized horse head and tail forming the lid. The body is richly decorated with hand-incised crosshatched and geometric ornament inspired by traditional West African decorative motifs. The hinged lid opens to reveal a hollow interior suitable for storing jewelry, keepsakes, incense, or other small objects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe underside shows evidence of hand finishing and casting, while the separately cast legs have been brazed into place, indicating traditional workshop construction rather than modern die-casting. The sculptural quality and primitive styling suggest inspiration from ceremonial vessels of the Akan and neighboring cultures of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, although this example was likely produced for the decorative arts market.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMid to Late 20th Century, circa 1960–1990\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHorse-form vessels have appeared across numerous African artistic traditions, though horses themselves were symbols of prestige, authority, and wealth rather than common working animals in much of West Africa. Decorative brass castings inspired by traditional lost-wax bronzes became increasingly popular during the mid-20th century as skilled foundries produced both ceremonial-inspired works and export pieces for collectors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis example exhibits characteristics associated with hand-cast brass using the lost-wax method, including subtle casting irregularities, chased surface decoration, and hand-finished seams. While inspired by traditional forms, it is best described as a decorative brass casket rather than an ethnographic ceremonial object unless further provenance can be established.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrivate collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eCast brass\u003cbr\u003eHand-chased decoration\u003cbr\u003eHinged construction\u003cbr\u003eHand-finished and brazed assembly\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease insert measurements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003ePresents with an attractive aged brass patina.\u003cbr\u003eSurface wear, scratches, oxidation, and minor casting irregularities consistent with age and hand production.\u003cbr\u003eInterior remains unlined.\u003cbr\u003eHinge functions properly.\u003cbr\u003eMinor evidence of old soldering\/brazing and casting seams visible on the underside, consistent with traditional manufacture.\u003cbr\u003eNo maker's marks observed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48749722599679,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/FFC56FA8-B743-402F-BE07-4EE12193A530.png?v=1782661606","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/cast-brass-horse-form-casket-dhokra","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}