19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
227
AN INDIAN PIETRA DURA-INLAID MARBLE LIDDED BOX
Agra, Northern India, late 19th - 20th century
AN INDIAN PIETRA DURA-INLAID MARBLE LIDDED BOX
Agra, Northern India, late 19th - 20th century
Of rectangular shape, with a fitted lid, the top and sides inlaid with intricate pietra dura floral motifs using semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, malachite, carnelian, and coloured agates, the lid featuring a central blooming floral scrollwork flanked by scrolling vines and smaller blossoms, repeated on the sides on a smaller scale, exemplifying the Mughal-inspired aesthetic prevalent in Agra’s lapidary craftsmanship inspired by the Taj Mahal mausoleum.
22.5cm x 18cm x 5cm
This decorative technique, known as pietra dura, involves the meticulous inlaying of hard stones into marble to create elaborate patterns, a tradition that flourished in India during the Mughal era and continued into the British colonial period. Such boxes were often produced as souvenirs for European visitors or as luxurious exotica gifts, reflecting the fusion of Indian artistry with colonial tastes.
Sold for £443
AN INDIAN PIETRA DURA-INLAID MARBLE LIDDED BOX
Agra, Northern India, late 19th - 20th century
Of rectangular shape, with a fitted lid, the top and sides inlaid with intricate pietra dura floral motifs using semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, malachite, carnelian, and coloured agates, the lid featuring a central blooming floral scrollwork flanked by scrolling vines and smaller blossoms, repeated on the sides on a smaller scale, exemplifying the Mughal-inspired aesthetic prevalent in Agra’s lapidary craftsmanship inspired by the Taj Mahal mausoleum.
22.5cm x 18cm x 5cm
This decorative technique, known as pietra dura, involves the meticulous inlaying of hard stones into marble to create elaborate patterns, a tradition that flourished in India during the Mughal era and continued into the British colonial period. Such boxes were often produced as souvenirs for European visitors or as luxurious exotica gifts, reflecting the fusion of Indian artistry with colonial tastes.
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 19th Jun, 2025
Our specialist auction Arts of India and the Islamic Lands is now online for you to browse, peruse and fall in love with your next antique.
Among the highlights, this sale vaunts a remarkable selection of Rajput Schools paintings and an illustrated loose folio from a Timurid Haft Paykar series, all part of a private Canadian collection; several gem-studded Indian necklaces, treasured heirlooms of a local family; a notable group of Islamic manuscripts, including a geomantic tome attributed to the Nubian alchemist Dhul-Nun al-Misri; and several lots of Persian Qajar lacquer belonging to the heir of a British diplomatic family in office under Sir Denis Wright in Tehran between 1971 - 1973.
Our selected lots preview starts next week, on Tuesday 3rd June, and the full view is going to take place from Friday 13th June until the sale day.
Mark your calendars and come to see us!
For any enquiries, please contact us at:
Viewing
Viewing:
13th June - 10:00 - 17:00
14th June - 11:00 - 16:00
15th June - 11:00 - 16:00
16th June - 10:00 - 17:00
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
