Description
A circular silver chaughara or masaladan (cosmetic or spice box), on six legs terminating in heart-shaped feet supporting the main body which is divided into six heart-shaped compartments, each with a hinged lid surmounted by a stylized leaf and small flower bud. A large central lotus bud finial with a petal fringe and long, hand-cut threaded shaft unscrews in clockwise direction to release the compartment lids. Each would have contained spices, stored in seed form rather than ground, such as those taken after a meal to freshen the breath, or cosmetics for men such as sandalwood paste, vermilion, curds, honey and ghee (the five sacred ingredients).
Dimensions & Weight:
Body diameter: 11.2 cm / 4 3/8 ins.; Height (including finial): 8.7 cm / 3 3/8 ins.; Weight: 396 gms / 12.7 ozT.
Maker’s Marks:
There are no maker’s marks, but the silver appears to be of a good standard of purity.
Reference:
Similar examples of silver chaughara or masaladan are shown on pp. 158-60 in Mughal Silver Magnificence by Christiane Terlinden (Antalga, 1987).
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