Antique Repoussé Brass Footed Box with Red Velvet Interior
Antique Repoussé Brass Footed Box with Red Velvet Interior
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A richly decorated antique brass box of rectangular form, raised on four ornamental feet and covered throughout with dense repoussé-style decoration. The hinged lid features an intricate repeating pattern framed by a scalloped border, while the sides are embellished with rows of stylized foliate and fleur-de-lis-like motifs.
The warm, aged brass surface retains wonderful variation and patina, highlighting the depth of the ornamentation. Opening the hinged lid reveals a deep red velvet-lined compartment, making the piece suitable as a jewelry box, keepsake box, or decorative object.
The box has an especially architectural quality, with its projecting lid, molded lower border, and elaborate feet giving the relatively small object an impressive presence.
One decorative foot/leg is chipped or partially broken, causing the box to sit somewhat unevenly and resulting in slight wobbling.
A richly decorated antique brass box of rectangular form, raised on four ornamental feet and covered throughout with dense repoussé-style decoration. The hinged lid features an intricate repeating pattern framed by a scalloped border, while the sides are embellished with rows of stylized foliate and fleur-de-lis-like motifs.
The warm, aged brass surface retains wonderful variation and patina, highlighting the depth of the ornamentation. Opening the hinged lid reveals a deep red velvet-lined compartment, making the piece suitable as a jewelry box, keepsake box, or decorative object.
The box has an especially architectural quality, with its projecting lid, molded lower border, and elaborate feet giving the relatively small object an impressive presence.
One decorative foot/leg is chipped or partially broken, causing the box to sit somewhat unevenly and resulting in slight wobbling.
3"h x 6.75"w x 4.5"d
3"h x 6.75"w x 4.5"d
Highly ornamented brass boxes such as this were produced in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Indian metalwork became increasingly popular with both domestic buyers and the European export market. Craftsmen employed techniques including repoussé, chasing, stamping, and hand finishing to create densely patterned surfaces inspired by traditional Indian floral and architectural ornament.
Small boxes of this type were used for jewelry, personal keepsakes, betel-related accoutrements, or other precious objects. The European-style fleur-de-lis character of portions of the decoration may reflect the blending of Western and Indian decorative vocabularies frequently seen in export pieces from the period.
Highly ornamented brass boxes such as this were produced in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Indian metalwork became increasingly popular with both domestic buyers and the European export market. Craftsmen employed techniques including repoussé, chasing, stamping, and hand finishing to create densely patterned surfaces inspired by traditional Indian floral and architectural ornament.
Small boxes of this type were used for jewelry, personal keepsakes, betel-related accoutrements, or other precious objects. The European-style fleur-de-lis character of portions of the decoration may reflect the blending of Western and Indian decorative vocabularies frequently seen in export pieces from the period.
Late 19th to Early 20th Century, circa 1890–1920
Late 19th to Early 20th Century, circa 1890–1920
Brass or brass alloy; red velvet or velveteen interior lining
Brass or brass alloy; red velvet or velveteen interior lining
France/India; acquired in France
France/India; acquired in France
Antique condition with age-appropriate surface wear, oxidation, discoloration, patination, scratches, and minor imperfections throughout. One decorative foot/leg is chipped or partially broken, causing the box to sit somewhat unevenly and resulting in slight wobbling. Wear and losses are visible to the interior and underside of the lid, including surface discoloration and areas of finish loss. The red interior lining shows age and wear.
The velvet lining may be a later addition or replacement and cannot be definitively dated. Decorative motifs and geographic attribution are based on stylistic characteristics and should not be considered definitive without maker's marks or documented provenance.
Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Antique condition with age-appropriate surface wear, oxidation, discoloration, patination, scratches, and minor imperfections throughout. One decorative foot/leg is chipped or partially broken, causing the box to sit somewhat unevenly and resulting in slight wobbling. Wear and losses are visible to the interior and underside of the lid, including surface discoloration and areas of finish loss. The red interior lining shows age and wear.
The velvet lining may be a later addition or replacement and cannot be definitively dated. Decorative motifs and geographic attribution are based on stylistic characteristics and should not be considered definitive without maker's marks or documented provenance.
Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description.