Description
This box is covered in a variety of birds, animals, and plants. The central motifs on the lids include images of four Hindu gods: Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, and Ganesha. The blue figures are Vishnu and Krishna, the latter of which is an incarnation of the former who is shown playing a flute. The elephant-headed Ganesha is red and accompanied by his mount, the bandicoot rat Dinka. The four-armed Shiva is paired with two animals, including a tiger and his sacred bull mount Nandi.
Small enamel boxes could be used to house many different substances, from cosmetics to spices to stimulants, including opium and paan, a digestive typically given at formal gatherings as a sign of the host’s hospitality.
Small enamel boxes could be used to house many different substances, from cosmetics to spices to stimulants, including opium and paan, a digestive typically given at formal gatherings as a sign of the host’s hospitality.
Provenance
(William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, sold to Severance and Greta Millikin) (?–1968); Severance A. [1895–1985] and Greta [Marguerite Steckerl] Millikin [1903–1989], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1968–1989); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1989–)
Accession Number
1989.353
Medium
gold with enamel
Dimensions
Overall: 4.5 x 6.3 cm (1 3/4 x 2 1/2 in.)
Classification
Metalwork
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin