TWO KASHMIRI POLYCHROME-PAINTED AND LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ LIDDED BOXES WITH FIGURAL MOTIFS
Possibly Srinagar, Kashmir or Punjab, Northern India, second half 19th century

Comprising a rectangular box, resting on a flat blue-painted base, the exterior polychrome-painted, gilt, and lacquered, profusely decorated with numerous scenes featuring mythical and demonic creatures engaged in a variety of activities including a grooming scene on the lid with a white spotted div getting his beard trimmed, surrounded by two ogresses feeding and playing with baby demons, and other mythical creatures, the sides with a carousel of divs and asuras fighting, slaying monkeys, and playing polo with snakes, all interspersed amidst typical Kashmiri decorative bands with rosette sprays and stars in polychromes against a golden ground, the interior divided into three compartments and painted in dark blue, 9.5cm x 22cm x 17cm; and an octagonal box, the lid with sloping sides, the exterior also polychrome-painted, gilt, and lacquered, profusely decorated with courtly gathering and banqueting scenes, floating winged angels, and the Persian hero Rustam seated on an Indian throne, flanked by two female attendants, all set against a golden ground livened with flowers and foliage in polychromes, the interior painted in dark blue, 14cm x 22cm x 16.8cm.

Recently, Kashmiri polychrome-painted and lacquered items, including lidded boxes and occasional tables, decorated with mythical figures, demons, Hindu gods, and courtly gathering scenes have been sold with great success in the London auction market. For further reference, please see these Rooms, 13 July 2022, lot 555; 28 April 2023, lot 253; and 12 July 2023, lots 499 and 501.