Antique Indonesian Handcrafted Metal Storage Vessel With Hand-Painted Floral Cartouches & Ornamental Hardware

Details

Description

Substantial metalwork meets intricate hand-painted ornament in this estate-attributed Indonesian storage vessel. Weighing approximately 30 pounds, it commands attention through … Read more Substantial metalwork meets intricate hand-painted ornament in this estate-attributed Indonesian storage vessel. Weighing approximately 30 pounds, it commands attention through its richly patterned surface, domed hinged lid, and individually fitted hardware. Its appeal deepens on close inspection: floral cartouches, finely outlined leaves, scrolling borders, and painted metal fittings reveal the care devoted to both its construction and decoration.

HANDCRAFTED CONSTRUCTION

The cylindrical body is assembled from formed metal sections, with overlapping seams secured by rivets. Applied bands reinforce the upper and lower edges, while intersecting metal straps support the underside. Visible fastener heads, folded edges, and variations at the joins make the construction itself part of the vessel’s character.

The shallow domed lid incorporates an applied reinforcing strap and a rear hinge with rolled metal knuckles. At the front, an elongated ornamental hasp folds over a projecting staple. Its widened center, rectangular opening, and curved terminal give this functional fitting an especially distinctive profile.

Heavy ring handles attach through folded keepers mounted on pointed, shield-shaped plates. These substantial fittings complement the reinforced body, while their painted surfaces integrate the hardware into the surrounding ornament. Overlapping seams and the meeting ends of the metal components are details of fabrication.

HAND-PAINTED EXTERIOR

Large oval cartouches encircle the body, each framing an upright arrangement of flowers and foliage. Smaller floral sprays fill the spaces between, creating a continuous composition punctuated by warm ochre outlines. Bands of rosettes, flowering vines, and scrolling ornament extend around the upper and lower portions of the vessel.

The palette combines deep red, muted green, blue, and ochre with fine pale accents. Individually outlined petals, articulated leaves, dotted flower centers, and delicate highlights bring definition to the painting. Variations in the brushwork give the repeated motifs their individual character.

Decoration continues over the domed lid and across the front hasp and handle mounts. The result is an unusually cohesive treatment in which the structural fittings become part of the painted design. The hand-painted finish is believed to be original.

PROVENANCE & HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Acquired from an estate, where the original catalog identified it as an “Old Indonesian Painted Metal Lidded Container.” The Indonesian attribution is retained on the basis of that sale record. The maker, specific region of manufacture, original contents, and earlier ownership history remain unknown.

Comparable metal storage vessels cataloged as Indian share aspects of its cylindrical form, ring handles, reinforcing straps, and hinged closure. These related works provide context for its practical construction without superseding the recorded Indonesian attribution.

A late nineteenth- to early twentieth-century date has been considered during comparative research, but remains unconfirmed. The original catalog described the vessel as old without assigning a production date; its precise age is therefore left open.

With its substantial proportions and extensive painted ornament, this is a compelling piece for a collection centered on traditional craftsmanship and distinctive utilitarian forms. Displayed beneath an open console, beside a library cabinet, or against dark wood and patterned textiles, it brings both visual richness and the tangible presence of handwork. See less