Indian Tikka Box, Squared with Floriform Lid

Black, rough-hewn box with a pillowy lid and one lonely loop hasp.

This square carved wood and metal tikka box with a flower-form lid, from Kutch is from Kutch District, Gujarat, India, and dates to the early 20th century. Floral motifs are among the most common designs in Indian decorative arts, and a lid shaped like a blossom echoes the lotus, a flower of long-standing importance. On view, a small, squarish box in dark charcoal with a puffy, rounded lid that overhangs the sides. A pale oval loop hangs from the front catch. The surface is rough and flaking, with metallic highlights worn into the corners. It is 4 inches wide, 4.5 deep and 3.5 high.

Rough crust outside, and presumably something tidy within.