Indo-Persian Khatam Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box

Details

Description

An exceptionally finely worked Persian Khatam-kari micro-mosaic jewelry box, handcrafted with thousands of minute inlaid elements arranged into intricate geometric … Read more An exceptionally finely worked Persian Khatam-kari micro-mosaic jewelry box, handcrafted with thousands of minute inlaid elements arranged into intricate geometric star and rosette patterns.

Measuring approximately 4 inches wide × 3 inches deep × 1.5 inches high, this diminutive decorative box demonstrates the remarkable precision associated with the centuries-old Persian art of Khatam-kari, one of Iran's most celebrated traditional decorative techniques.

Virtually the entire exterior surface—including the rectangular lid, sloping edges and sides—is covered with extraordinarily dense geometric micro-mosaic decoration. Tiny components are assembled into repeating six-pointed stars, rosettes, triangles and interlocking geometric patterns, creating a richly textured surface that becomes increasingly impressive when examined at close range.

The decoration incorporates contrasting tones of wood and other traditional inlay materials, with minute red, black, cream and golden-colored elements producing the characteristic jewel-like appearance of fine Persian khatam work. Narrow geometric borders frame the central field on the lid and provide visual structure to the exceptionally intricate composition.

Khatam-kari is an exacting form of Persian marquetry in which extremely slender rods of contrasting materials are assembled into complex geometric bundles. These bundles are then cut transversely into exceptionally thin sections and applied to a prepared wooden surface. The resulting mosaics can contain hundreds or thousands of individual elements within a relatively small object.

The technique has deep roots in Persian decorative arts and became particularly associated with master craftsmen working in Shiraz and Isfahan, where it was employed on boxes, writing implements, mirror cases, picture frames, chess and backgammon boards, furniture and architectural elements.

The restrained rectangular form of this box provides an elegant counterpoint to the extraordinary complexity of its decoration. Rather than relying on scale, its impact comes from the astonishing concentration of workmanship within an object measuring only four inches across.

The interior is lined in red velvet, providing a rich contrast to the geometric exterior and making the box suitable for jewelry, rings or other small precious objects.

A beautiful collector's example of Persian Islamic decorative art, this Khatam-kari box would display particularly well among antique writing objects, miniature boxes, Islamic metalwork, Persian ceramics or other examples of Middle Eastern craftsmanship.

Its compact dimensions also make it an excellent decorative object for a desk, library table, dressing table or collector's cabinet.

Recommended Attributes

Object: Jewelry Box / Decorative Box / Trinket Box
Dimensions: 4 in W × 3 in D × 1.5 in H
Style: Persian / Islamic
Materials: Wood, micro-mosaic inlay
Techniques: Khatam-kari, micro-mosaic, marquetry, hand-inlaid, hand-crafted
Place of Origin: Iran / Persia
Period: Mid-20th Century — if consistent with your acquisition information
Date: circa 1950
Condition: Vintage condition with wear consistent with age and delicate handcrafted construction.

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