Carved Teak Masala Box From Banswara - Ca 1920 Famille-Rose Porcelain enhanced by the warm patina

enhanced by the warm patina that has developed across the brass surface over many decades

Mughal-inspired carvings and pierced architectural detailing

scrolling foliate carving

and floods

Carved Teak Masala Box From Banswara - Ca 1920 Famille-Rose Porcelain enhanced by the warm patinaThis lovely antique Indian spice box carved in the form of a hamsa atop a turtle. The hamsa is a mythical Hindu bird, the vahana (vehicle) of Brahma & Saraswati which is sometimes confused with a peacock. Hamsa can distinguish good from evil. This particular box is from the tribal region of Banswara in Northern India. Masala boxes & spice boxes were used daily in every household and were integral to every home. This beautifully carved box is a classic