Enamelled Gold Quatrefoil-Shaped Covered Box with Floral Motifs
Date19th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumEnameled gold
DimensionsOverall: 4 3/8 x 4 3/8 x 1 3/4 in. (11.1 x 11.1 x 4.4cm)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number44.15a-b
DescriptionThis quatrefoil, enameled box is decorated with red flowers on a white ground with green stems and leaves radiating from its central finial. The bottom is covered in translucent green enamel etched with a central eight-petaled flower surrounded by radiating leaves.Compartments within this box were designed to contain the ingredients for the preparation of a mild stimulant called paan. This mixture of areca palm nut, cardamom, clove, and chuna (lime paste) was a delicacy consumed at the Mughal court.
On View
On viewCollections
19th - 20th century
18th - 19th century
c. 1580
17th century
