Be-jeweled, marquetry inlay wood box but for what?

[GopherDaGold]

I keep my detecting treasures in this box that I purchased at a thrift store but now I'm intrigued by the box itself.
It's loaded with marquetry inlay and 'jewels' and has a unique hidden hinge.
What is the design under the glass lid? Is it a valuable box or a cheapie? Thanks in advance.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Cry Of The Eagle: History And Legends Of The Cherokee Indians And Their Buried Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Molewacker]

Interesting piece! the design looks like a necklace and earring set, so guessing Jewelry box. The inlay combined with the style of the top design makes me think a import from India.

 

[Retired Sarge]

Reminds me of the Egyptian ones I saw in my travels or maybe out of one of the other Middle Eastern countries.

 

[GopherDaGold]

I was also thinking Middle Eastern. I wonder if it held a bridal suite?

 

[Retired Sarge]

Look at some of these Syrian made boxes.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dec...40&biw=798&client=ms-android-att-us&prmd=sivn

 

[john845]

Cigar humidor?

 

[namxat]

Hi,

From the photos I think the upper part is a white marble inlay. I have seen such as hadicraft in India very frequently. The jewellery also fits in form (drop or paisley like ornament) and "very rich" style the indian taste.

Tacitly I would bet rather Indian than Middle Eastern.


Greets Namxat

 

[Plug N Play]

These suppliers on alibaba.com list this one as being from India.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...oden-Handicraft-Handmade-Gem_50002319182.html

 

[GopherDaGold]

These suppliers on alibaba.com list this one as being from India.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...oden-Handicraft-Handmade-Gem_50002319182.html

View attachment 1687708

The inlay design and hinge is an exact match! I think you nailed it!
Thanks all for your research and replies!

 

[Lunch Bag]

The meaning of the small ‘eyes’ painted on the lid is to ward off evil spirits.

This is quite common on pieces made in middle eastern countries.

 

[tamrock]

I'm thinking symbolic design of the Mughal empire, as it reminds me of Mughal jewelry. Looking for examples like yours I found this jewel encrusted 22K gold box for ten grand. Boy wouldn't that be neat to find in a thrift store.

 

[A2coins]

A cigar box someone decorated looks reall cool whatever it is

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I had a box when I was younger that the inlay slid a little then you slid the other inlay on another side of box and a secret false bottom was a hiding place for something else not saying yours is the same but it had same type of inlay.Mine was a stash box.LOL

 

[GopherDaGold]

I had a box when I was younger that the inlay slid a little then you slid the other inlay on another side of box and a secret false bottom was a hiding place for something else not saying yours is the same but it had same type of inlay.Mine was a stash box.LOL

I'll be checking that box after work today!