22nd Apr, 2026 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
50
AN INDIAN KOFTAGARI IRON LIDDED CASKET
India, late 19th century
AN INDIAN KOFTAGARI IRON LIDDED CASKET
India, late 19th century
Rectangular in shape and resting on four feet, with a hinged lid featuring a scalloped, ribbed top and an openwork grip. The exterior is densely decorated in the koftgari technique with tendrils and vegetal scrolls. The double handles, of European inspiration, terminate in stylised dragons with open jaws.
Koftgari technique widespread in India between the 17th and 19th centuries, consisting of the inlay of gold and silver wires or thin foils onto metal surfaces, usually iron or steel. This technique was widely employed in the production of weapons, armour, containers, and luxury objects. This technique originated in Iran and was later introduced to India, where it was initially employed to decorate high-quality arms and armour made for Rajput and Sikh elites. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, production centres in Gujrat and in present-day Pakistan created a wide range of ornamental objects intended for Western markets.
15cm x 27cm x 14cm
Estimated at £200 - £300
AN INDIAN KOFTAGARI IRON LIDDED CASKET
India, late 19th century
Rectangular in shape and resting on four feet, with a hinged lid featuring a scalloped, ribbed top and an openwork grip. The exterior is densely decorated in the koftgari technique with tendrils and vegetal scrolls. The double handles, of European inspiration, terminate in stylised dragons with open jaws.
Koftgari technique widespread in India between the 17th and 19th centuries, consisting of the inlay of gold and silver wires or thin foils onto metal surfaces, usually iron or steel. This technique was widely employed in the production of weapons, armour, containers, and luxury objects. This technique originated in Iran and was later introduced to India, where it was initially employed to decorate high-quality arms and armour made for Rajput and Sikh elites. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, production centres in Gujrat and in present-day Pakistan created a wide range of ornamental objects intended for Western markets.
15cm x 27cm x 14cm
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 22nd Apr, 2026
We are excited to present our Islamic and Indian Art Auction.
The sale brings together a remarkable collection of rare textiles, lacquerwear, woodwork, manuscripts and more. Featuring a 13th century bronze Ayyubid candlestick (lot 29), a monumental Indian silver-overlaid wooden footstool (lot 140) and an Ottoman calligraphic silk lampas panel from the inner covering of the Ka’ba (lot 166).
One further unmissable highlight is the beautifully enamelled 18 carat gold pocket watch by Breguet et Fils, produced for the Ottoman market (lot 148). We are delighted also to present further pieces from the collection of Mr Georges Antaki in this auction, which promises something of interest for all collectors interested in Islamic and Indian art.
Sale date(s) & Start time:
22 Apr 2026 12:00 BST
Viewing
Viewing date(s) & Start time(s):
17 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
18 Apr 2026 11:00 - 16:00
20 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
21 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
