Indian Theva work inset silver snuff box, Rajasthan, c. 1870
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This late 19th-century Indian snuff box is an exquisite example of Theva (or Thewa) work, originating from the town of Partabgarh in the Rajputana region. The box is of an oval form and constructed from unmarked silver, featuring a hinged lid.
The lid is inset with a decorative glass plaque created through the traditional Theva technique, which involves heat-fusing a thin sheet of gold foil onto the surface of the glass. The plaque is backed with blue foil to provide a striking contrast and reflective depth. The decorative scene depicted on the lid portrays a group of hunters mounted upon a caparisoned elephant, navigating through detailed foliage, accompanied by a tiger.
The interior of the silver box is finished with gilding. Measuring 6.9 cm (2.The work reflects the cultural artistry of the region, emphasizing themes of fauna and courtly life.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 6.9 cm
- Material
- silver, glass, gold foil, blue foil
Design
- Form
- oval
- Motif
- hunters on a caparisoned elephant with tiger in foliage
- Interior
- gilt
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.