RARE EARLY 19TH CENTURY MUGHAL EMPEROR AKBAR SHAH II ROSEWOOD & BRASS INLAID FITTED TRAVELLING JEWELLERY CASKET

This rare early 19th-century Mughal travelling jewellery casket is an exquisite example of fine Indian craftsmanship, dating from the reign of Emperor Akbar Shah II. Its design perfectly epitomises the luxurious artistry and intricate detailing favoured by the Persian-influenced Mughal Empire during this period.

Origin: India
Date: Circa 1830
Material: Solid Indian rosewood with brass inlay
Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm (6.1 ins), Width: 42 cm (16.5 ins), Depth: 29 cm (11.5 ins)
Condition: Excellent, with original gilt églomisé panels, mirrors, handles, and sumptuous Mughal velvet

Such jewellery boxes are rarely found with their full array of original materials intact. This fine casket stands as a testament to the opulence and ingenious craftsmanship of 19th-century Mughal decorative arts, easily comparable to celebrated examples held in renowned collections. The distinctive Mughal velvet within, in hues reminiscent of rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and gold, mirrors the vibrant colour palette cherished in Akbar Shah II’s court. The presence of the original bevelled mirrors and brass-mounted locks further enhances its historical appeal.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Features delicate brass inlay, refined gilt eglomisé panels, and a carefully preserved suite of bevelled mirrors and gilt hardware.
• Design Significance: Showcases the harmonious blend of Mughal decorative motifs—ornate yet symmetrical—crafted in luxurious Indian rosewood and enriched with vivid, gem-coloured velvets.
• Collecting Value: Rare to encounter such an authentic Mughal jewellery casket attributed to Akbar Shah II, retaining all original fittings and hidden mechanisms; a true collector’s piece.
• Practical Value: Ideal for elegant display in a private study or as the centrepiece of a fine jewellery box collection; provides exceptional storage with secret compartments, fitted trays, and ingeniously concealed drawers.

This distinctive Mughal jewellery casket is not only a functional item for safeguarding precious adornments, but also a work of art in its own right. Both as a luxury furnishing and a museum-quality collector’s object, it embodies the rich artistic heritage and royal provenance of early 19th-century India—a truly peerless historic treasure for connoisseurs of antique jewellery boxes and works of art.