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Indian Mughal Pandan Brass Box Ribbed Dome Antique
An Indian Indian Mughal Pandan Spice Brass Box Ribbed Dome Shape Heavy Quality Box
This paan box or pandan, of domed, ridged form and consisting of a body and a lid, is related to a group of objects described by Zebrowski as a variant of the early pandan, commonly found in the C17th and C18th. This piece is notable for its volume of ribs, these being thirty one in number. As a style, such pandans have been likened to the ribbed domes of Islamic Central Asian and Indian architecture. In this instance, the ribs rise to a smooth and circular finish at the centre of the ‘roof’' of the pandan. Zebrowski attributes pandans of this form to Northern India, whilst Terlinden suggests a Deccani origin for similarly shaped objects, albeit of higher quality. Perhaps they were ubiquitous.
Unlike some later pandans, this example is of the earlier kind, designed to carry rolled or folded paan leaves after they had been prepared, rather than providing a means of keeping the constituent ingredients of the paan seperate.
Interstingly, in order to close the box, a small notch in the metal at the top of a body rib must be matched directly with a similar notch on the bottom of a lid rib, otherwise the piece will not close.
With regard to decoration, the body and lid of the pandan are entirely covered in repeated chased or etched representations of a single tree or flower, save for two bands of a different design around the top of the ribs, and a floral or foliate motif on the top of the dome. Both the two top bands and the foliate motif have been virtually worn away through constant wear and use, suggesting an early date for the object. The nature of the single tree or flower remains unidentified, however the motif appears on two ewers in our collection attributed to the C18th, (GNC2, GNC5) as well as other ewers published elsewhere, where it sometimes appears overset on a leaf motif resembling that of the poppy. Poppies have been identified as a feature of Mughal decoration, not least by Michel (p.201) among others, and there would seem to be a narcotic justice in decorating pandans with poppies.
References and sources:
Michel, G., The Majesty of Mughal Decoration - The Art and Architecture of Islamic India, (London: Thames & Hudson, 2007).
Terlinden, C., Mughal Silver Magnificence, (XVI-XIXth C.), ([n.p.]: Antalga, 1987).
Zebrowski, M., Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, (London: Alexandria Press, 1997).
Dimensions:
12 cm in diameter, 8 cm high
630 g in weight
Condition:
In a very good Antique Condition
Please see all photos
SellerFrogabilia
View all stock from
Frogabilia
6 Southgate Place
Madford Road
Launceston, Cornwall
United Kingdom
PL15 9DX
Tel : 07701042625
Non UK callers : +44 7701042625
Get directions to Frogabilia
This paan box or pandan, of domed, ridged form and consisting of a body and a lid, is related to a group of objects described by Zebrowski as a variant of the early pandan, commonly found in the C17th and C18th. This piece is notable for its volume of ribs, these being thirty one in number. As a style, such pandans have been likened to the ribbed domes of Islamic Central Asian and Indian architecture. In this instance, the ribs rise to a smooth and circular finish at the centre of the ‘roof’' of the pandan. Zebrowski attributes pandans of this form to Northern India, whilst Terlinden suggests a Deccani origin for similarly shaped objects, albeit of higher quality. Perhaps they were ubiquitous.
Unlike some later pandans, this example is of the earlier kind, designed to carry rolled or folded paan leaves after they had been prepared, rather than providing a means of keeping the constituent ingredients of the paan seperate.
Interstingly, in order to close the box, a small notch in the metal at the top of a body rib must be matched directly with a similar notch on the bottom of a lid rib, otherwise the piece will not close.
With regard to decoration, the body and lid of the pandan are entirely covered in repeated chased or etched representations of a single tree or flower, save for two bands of a different design around the top of the ribs, and a floral or foliate motif on the top of the dome. Both the two top bands and the foliate motif have been virtually worn away through constant wear and use, suggesting an early date for the object. The nature of the single tree or flower remains unidentified, however the motif appears on two ewers in our collection attributed to the C18th, (GNC2, GNC5) as well as other ewers published elsewhere, where it sometimes appears overset on a leaf motif resembling that of the poppy. Poppies have been identified as a feature of Mughal decoration, not least by Michel (p.201) among others, and there would seem to be a narcotic justice in decorating pandans with poppies.
References and sources:
Michel, G., The Majesty of Mughal Decoration - The Art and Architecture of Islamic India, (London: Thames & Hudson, 2007).
Terlinden, C., Mughal Silver Magnificence, (XVI-XIXth C.), ([n.p.]: Antalga, 1987).
Zebrowski, M., Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, (London: Alexandria Press, 1997).
Dimensions:
12 cm in diameter, 8 cm high
630 g in weight
Condition:
In a very good Antique Condition
Please see all photos
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 13/FEB/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Category Antique Boxes
Period 18th Century Antiques
Material Brass
Origin Indian
Item code as727a217
Status Sold
£650.00 
$814.00 
€780.20 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 13/FEB/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
View all stock from
Frogabilia
6 Southgate PlaceMadford Road
Launceston, Cornwall
United Kingdom
PL15 9DX
Tel : 07701042625
Non UK callers : +44 7701042625
Get directions to Frogabilia
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