A SILVER KUMKUM POWDER CONTAINER
Hyderabad, Deccan, Central India, early 19th century

Of octagonal shape, resting on four small hemispherical feet, the lower tray caparisoned with silver beads and enhanced with protruding rosettes on each corner, a dome-shaped caparisoned powder container stemming from the centre, divided into two compartments, a deeper one below and a smaller one with lockable finial at the top, the decoration comprising engraved concentric bands of drop-like motifs, floral sprays and twisted rope-like frames to the tray, and floral motifs, palm leaves and geometric patterns to the powder container, 11cm x 18cm at its widest point, 510g.