Antique Indian Hand-Painted Spice or Trinket Box – jewellery box 1880-1910

Description

A rare and beautifully preserved antique Indian spice or trinket box, hand-crafted and hand-painted, dating to around 1880–1910. This piece was likely made in northern or western India — possibly Rajasthan or Gujarat — where folk art traditions were strong during the colonial era.


The box is constructed from solid hardwood, possibly teak or Indian rosewood, with vibrant original painted motifs in red, cream, and black.

The box features intricate hand-painted floral motifs and patterns that are both decorative and symbolic, typical of regional Indian designs used in domestic and ceremonial objects of the period. The vibrant, earthy palette — with layers of paint that show gentle patina and age — adds to its authenticity and charm.

Estimated Age: Late 1800s to early 1900s

Origin: India – likely from a northern or western region known for painted woodcraft

Use: Traditionally used to store spices, jewellery, or small valuables; could have also served a ceremonial or dowry purpose

Material: Appears to be hardwood (possibly teak or rosewood – to be confirmed)

Construction: Fully handcrafted, with hand-cut joinery and original metal hinges

Decoration: Hand-painted with floral/folkloric patterns, possibly using natural pigments

Dimensions: Approx. 7" wide x 5.2" high x 6" deep (inches)

This box features a unique internal layout: the top drawer is a single full-width compartment, ideal for storing larger items, while the lower section consists of two smaller, separate drawers, making it both practical and visually interesting. This combination of compartments adds to its charm and usability as a decorative storage piece.

Collectors will appreciate the craftsmanship, the cultural context, and the surviving condition of this box. Each surface tells a story, from the brush strokes of the original artisan to the wear marks of generations past.

The drawers fit well and slide smoothly, and the piece remains structurally sound. There may be some age-related wear, including minor chips or fading in the paint, which only enhances the authenticity and antique character of the item.

This is not just a decorative object, but a genuine piece of cultural history, ideal for inclusion in:

Antique Indian or Asian artifact collections

World folk art displays

Handcrafted wooden box collections

Decorative spice/jewellery storage pieces

Museum-style home décor

🔍 Updated Observations:

Construction & Craftsmanship

The drawers are individually hand-crafted, likely using traditional joinery — no signs of nails or machine assembly.

The wood grain and finish suggest it's solid hardwood, possibly teak or Indian rosewood, both used historically in Rajasthan and Gujarat folk furniture.

Brass Hardware

The front clasp and hinges appear to be aged brass, hand-cut and likely original.

Signs of oxidation/patina confirm age and add character for collectors.

Base Interior

The handwritten number (“G71” or similar) may be an inventory or craftsman’s mark, which was a common workshop practice in artisan studios.

The base construction confirms this is not a modern reproduction — too much hand-tool evidence and aged patina.

Paint & Carving

The painted floral and dot motifs are consistent with Rajasthani folk designs (especially in the Marwar region), and the drawer flowers are hand-carved.

A wonderful opportunity to own a rare and authentic example of antique Indian folk art, increasingly hard to come by in such complete and well-kept condition.

One full-width top drawer, carved from a single block

Two individually fitted bottom drawers

Decorative hand-cut brass latch and metal strap hinges

Traditional floral and dotwork painting, typical of Rajasthani folk style

An internal craftsman’s or workshop mark: "G71"

✨ The craftsmanship is all hand-done — no machine-cut parts — with dovetail-free, snug-fit drawer construction, and beautiful aged patina throughout.

🧭 Measurements: 7" wide x 5.2" high x 6" deep

This is a genuine antique, not a reproduction. It shows age-appropriate wear and has clearly seen real use over more than a century. A wonderfully decorative yet functional piece for collectors of:


Antique Indian or Asian woodenware

Colonial-era folk art

Vintage boxes and small furniture

Ad ID: 1500077364