Vintage Brass Naga Box or Dhokra Art Tribal Jewelry Box
Vintage Brass Naga Box or Dhokra Art Tribal Jewelry Box
Key Features
- Material: Crafted from a metal alloy (most likely brass or bronze) using the traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue) method, which is characteristic of Dhokra art.
- Design: A rectangular box with a raised, tiered lid. The sides and lid are decorated with intricate filigree patterns and coiled wire motifs. It has stylized animal feet and a front latch. The top features a mythological scene.
- Functionality: This is a functional container, designed to hold jewelry, small valuables, or other trinkets. It can also be a beautiful decorative item.
- Aesthetics: The piece has a tribal, rustic, and antique feel. The elaborate design and aged patina make it an eye-catching and valuable decorative piece.
- Symbolism: The Naga (serpent) is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing protection, fertility, and cosmic energy. The scene on the lid adds a deep cultural and spiritual layer to the piece.
- Use: This box is perfect for storing small items and can be used as a decorative centerpiece on a vanity, coffee table, or shelf. It is a wonderful gift for collectors of folk art or spiritual artifacts.
This is an ornate and detailed box with a lid, likely a jewelry or trinket box, crafted from brass or a similar metal alloy. The design is a mix of solid, textured surfaces and intricate open-work filigree on the sides and lid. The box stands on four stylized feet that resemble animal claws. The front has a small loop for a latch or lock.
The most striking feature is the lid, which is topped with a scene from Indian mythology. It depicts a divine figure, likely Lord Vishnu or a prince, resting on a serpent, possibly the five-headed Naga, a powerful symbol of protection. The craftsmanship, particularly the use of coiled wire patterns and the rustic finish, suggests this is an example of Dhokra art, a traditional lost-wax casting technique. The piece is both a functional container and a piece of spiritual and decorative art.







