Carved Teak Masala Box From Banswara - Ca 1920 Material - Zinc for more details on how

for more details on how these were used

50 x 50 x 48(w x d x h cms)

The stand was made at a later date

This antique Japanese Isho-Dansu bedside chest dates from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) and would have been used for clothing storage

These are not antiques

Carved Teak Masala Box From Banswara - Ca 1920 Material - Zinc for more details on howThis lovely antique Indian spice box carved in the form of a hamsa atop a turtle. The hamsa is a mythical Hindu bird, the vahana (vehicle) of Brahma & Saraswati which is sometimes confused with a peacock. Hamsa can distinguish good from evil. This particular box is from the tribal region of Banswara in Northern India. Masala boxes & spice boxes were used daily in every household and were integral to every home. This beautifully carved box is a classic