AN INDIAN ENGRAVED BRASS PORTABLE INKWELL
Possibly Deccan, Central India, 18th century

Of circular shape, with a convex base and lid surmounted by an openwork domed boss with pierced arabesques-shaped finial, the exterior finely engraved with a multitude of overlapping cusped leaves flowing freely in a stream, a central rosette medallion to the base, the engraving filled with a black compound, possibly bitumen, enhancing the design and making it stand out more clearly, the interior plain, 6cm diam. and 5.5cm high.