A CARVED FRUITWOOD CASKET
Abadeh, Qajar Iran, 19th century

Of typical rectangular shape, the flat top with a raised central panel with deeply carved intertwined vegetal sprays surrounding a central lotus flower head, the exotic motif possibly influenced by Sinhalese and South Indian fruitwood boxes and furniture examples, the sides decorated with floral blooms and arabesque-like vegetal meanders, the borders decorated with pierced latticework, the interior lined in later purple velvet, fitted with modern British patented hinges, 15.5cm x 36cm x 24.5cm.

For similar examples, please see Christie's South Kensington, 24th April 2015, lot 174; and a box in the V&A Museum collection (inv. no. 861:1-1889).