Indian Round Hinged & Lidded Box

Footed lidded pot topped with a tiny crouching creature, as if guarding the contents.

This round hinged and lidded brass box is from India, and dates to the 19th century. Lidded boxes of this kind are generally used in Indian homes to hold small items such as spices, betel ingredients, cosmetics or jewelry. Rounded lidded vessel on a short cylindrical foot, with two ring handles at the sides. A banded lid is covered in fine radiating lines and capped by a small animal-like finial, and the surface is a dull olive brown. It is 3.25 inches high and 3 in diameter.

Small, ornate, and quite serious about its lid.