A GOLD, COLOURED-GLASS AND PARCEL-GILT SILVER THEWA JEWELLERY BOX
Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, North-Western India, mid to late 19th century

Of rectangular shape, resting on four lion paws feet, surmounted by a slanted hinged lid, the lid and outer sides profusely decorated with applied openwork gold découpé (thewa) figural and vegetal compositions laid over red, blue, ochre yellow and green-stained glass, the panel in the centre of the lid featuring pairs of storks by a pond, the narrower panels on the sides with typical village scenes with ladies going to the well and attending their daily chores; dancing girls and female musicians; and hunting scenes on horses, elephants and camels, the parcel-gilt interior plain, 15cm x 6cm x 11cm.

For a similar thewa jewellery box, please see Christie's South Kensington, 10 June 2013, lot 249. For more information on thewa work, also known in Europe as 'Pertabgarh work', and its unique Indian making technique, please read Nick Barnard, Indian Jewellery, London, 2008, p. 78.