cast in sections, comprising four hexagonal containers with domed hinged covers inset with large foiled white sapphires, decorated in blue, green and pink enamels with birds within cross pattern borders, four enamelled silver birds between the four domed covers facing outwards, four drop-shaped foiled white sapphires inset at the arched corners, resting on four legs, the underside with central floral motif and cross pattern borders in similar colours, the locking mechanism in the form of an enamelled flowerhead cluster finial above a circular floral base
8.7 cm. high; 11 cm. diam.

Footnotes

A comparable example is in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (inv. no. 131-1852). Similar examples have sold at Christie's King Street, London, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 1st October 2012, lot 9; and Christie's South Kensington, Islamic and Indian Works of Art, 14th October 2005, lot 221; and Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 18th June 2013, lot 319.

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A gem-set enamelled silver-gilt Spice Box Rajasthan, circa 1850

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Oliver White