Indian Brass Oval Box

Brass oval box, closed up tight with a beaded, dotted lid.

This oval brass box is from India, and dates to the 19th century. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that can be cast, hammered or engraved, which makes it well suited to boxes and containers. Low oval container with a fitted lid and a thin lip around the edge. The lid carries faint punched dotted borders and a central design. The brass is dull yellow-brown with a rubbed, mellow wear and small dark patches. It is 5.5 inches wide, 3.5 deep and 1.5 high.

Keeps its contents to itself, and looks smug about it.