A late 19th century Indian Theva work inset unmarked silver snuff box, Rajasthan, Partabgarh circa 1870

A late 19^th century Indian Theva work inset unmarked silver snuff box, Rajasthan, Partabgarh circa 1870

Of oval form with a hinged lid. The lid inset with a tooled gilt work glass plaque backed with blue foil. The scene of hunters upon a caparisoned elephant, the trunk with tiger box against foliage. Gilt interior.

Length – 6.9 cm / 2.5 inches

Partabgarh, also known as Thewa, originates from the town of Partabgarh in Rajputana, Northern India. The unique technique appears to have emerged in the mid-18^th century, the process involves heat-fusing a thin gold foil sheet to the visible surface of an already existing sheet of glass. Light is reflected via a separate sheet of metal foil placed below the glass sheet. The craft flourished in Victorian times with British women purchasing them as souvenirs and returning to Britain with them. Themes often seen are based on Hindu Mythology or Mughal court scenes, historical events or incorporate images of flora and fauna.