Indian Chalice-Form Hinged & Lidded Box with Peacocks

Three small birds ring a central stem, with a feathered tip fanning above.

This chalice-form hinged and lidded box with peacocks is from Bengal, Odisha, India, and dates to the 19th century. It is brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that is easy to cast, and old brass often shows a deep golden or brown patina. A rounded lidded vessel on a flared stand with side loops and finely engraved bands. Small bird figures surround a tall central stem topped with a curved bird and fan-like tail. Traces of red show on the lid. It is 4.75 inches high and 2.25 in diameter.

A whole aviary balanced on one tiny pot.