SOUTH INDIA, CIRCA 1800

Details

AN EMERALD, RUBY AND DIAMOND SET GOLD BOX
SOUTH INDIA, CIRCA 1800
Of rounded outline, hinged, with clasp to front, the flat top set with diamonds, the sides with floral motifs set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds, the back and inside plain gold
2 ¾ x 3 1/8in. (7 x 7.8cm.)

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

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Louise Broadhurst

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Lot Essay

For a box of almost identical size, shape and floral decoration to the top and sides in the Nasser D. Khalili collection, see Carvalho, 2010, no. 96, p.185. The top of the Khalili box is set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds and its leaf-form clasp set with diamonds whereas our box has a lid set with diamonds and the clasp plain gold. Carvalho suggests that the horse-shoe form of the box is modelled on a leather purse or wallet. There is another related 18th century box in the collection of the National Museum, New Delhi (inv.no.55.65/1; illus. Bala Krishnan & Kumar, 1999, p.263, pl.424).

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