Teak Masala Box From Banswara Tribal Region - Ca 1920 Material - Jackfruit Wood when European forms were adapted

when European forms were adapted by Indian craftsmen using local materials and techniques

5 x 21 (wxdxh cms)

while the natural wear tells the story of its utilitarian origins

These chairs are from Shanxi province in Northern China and are made from a mix of northern elm (yumu) and southern elm (jumu / zelkova) and were originally lacquered with a burgundy lacquer which has worn away in many parts

Teak Masala Box From Banswara Tribal Region - Ca 1920 Material - Jackfruit Wood when European forms were adaptedThese teak wood tika boxes from Banswara tribal region in Rajasthan are usually carved from a single piece of teak wood. They were used for storing the red powder used for marking the forehead of Hindus known as a tika mark or bindi. The combination of adze marks, smoothing from constant use and a rich patina make this piece a wonderful decorative piece. A perfect gift for a collector of village art, each one is unique. They look wonderful displayed