About the Piece
An unusual 19th-century Indo-Persian hand-hammered tinned copper covered box, richly decorated with intricate chased and incised ornament inspired by the metalworking traditions of Persia, India and the broader Islamic world. The circular vessel is constructed in copper with a silvery tinned surface that has developed a beautifully aged, softly variegated patina. Both the body and fitted lid are extensively worked by hand, creating a richly textured surface of stylized floral, foliate and geometric motifs associated with Indo-Persian decorative metalwork. The ornament recalls the vocabulary of Qajar Persian and Mamluk Revival metalwork, traditions that became particularly influential throughout the Middle East and South Asia during the 19th century. Rather than relying on applied decoration, the visual richness comes from the painstaking treatment of the metal itself, with hammered, chased and incised details catching the light differently across the aged surface. The domed lid is surmounted by a raised finial, giving the relatively low vessel an elegant architectural silhouette. Measuring approximately 9 inches in diameter and 4 inches high to the top of the finial, the box has enough scale to make a substantial decorative statement on a library table, console, desk or coffee table. Covered vessels of this general form could serve a variety of domestic purposes, including the storage of tea, tobacco, spices, sweets or other precious household goods. Without specific provenance, however, its precise original function remains uncertain, and today it works beautifully as a collectible decorative box. The combination of aged copper, surviving tinning and dense hand-worked ornament gives the piece considerably more character than a polished reproduction. Its surface retains the irregularities and mellow patination expected of a utilitarian object that has survived for generations. A compelling example of 19th-century Islamic and Indo-Persian decorative metalwork, particularly appealing to collectors of Persian objects, Qajar-period decorative arts, Indian metalwork, Middle Eastern antiques and hand-hammered copper. Equally successful in a traditional collection or as a singular historical accent within a sophisticated contemporary interior. Dimensions: Diameter: 9 in. (22.86 cm) Body height: approximately 2.5 in. Overall height to top of finial: 4 in. (10.16 cm) Condition: Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. Original condition, unaltered, with surface wear, oxidation, patination and minor imperfections consistent with its age and handmade construction. These characteristics contribute to the authenticity and visual character of the piece. Recommended 1stDibs Attributes Attribute Recommended Object Type Covered Box / Decorative Box Period 19th Century Date Circa 1880–1900 Origin Asia Possible Region Indo-Persian / South Asian Style Moorish/ Influence Qajar / Mamluk Revival / Islamic Primary Material Copper Surface Tinned copper Techniques Hand-Hammered, Chased, Incised, Hand-Crafted Shape Circular Dimensions 9 in. diameter × 4 in. H overall Condition Good; wear consistent with age and use
