Mughal Empire Cut Steel Casket

Description

A rare Mughal Empire cut steel casket dating from the 17th or early 18th Century. The Mughal Dynasty reigned over much of India from the 1500’s to the early 1700’s.

The casket has a hinged lid and is lined inside with woven thread that has applied tapestry work to each panel. Part of the hasp that would have fitted over the small locking device is partially missing but certainly in keeping with the age of the item.

The lid is designed with a seated man, possibly an emperor, being served something with 2 other seated figures on either side of them. The front panel shows 2 warriors on horses with swords in their hands and smaller animals below them. On the back panel is a single mounted warrior with a sword and what appears to be a leopard, a smaller animal and birds. The sides have animals amongst the scroll designs.  There is a remnant of chain on the lid and on the right side and fittings to the left but without any remaining chain.

The dimensions are 110mm across x 84mm wide x 110mm high and it sits on 4 fixed bun feet.

This is a one of a kind rare and wonderful artifact from centuries ago. I imagine that this casket was a prized item that was used to contain something of great value.