Hand-Painted Kashmir Lacquer Papier-Mâché Box for Playing Cards

Description

Since the 15th century, the Indian region of Kashmir has been hailed for exquisite hand-painting that appears everywhere from miniatures … more Since the 15th century, the Indian region of Kashmir has been hailed for exquisite hand-painting that appears everywhere from miniatures made for the Mughal court to decorative accessories fashioned of molded papier-mâché. When deployed for the latter purpose, the painstaking work is called kar-i-munaqqash. Traditionally shaped, dried, smoothed with gemstones such jade, and lacquered, all before the actual painting begins, this shapely container for two decks of playing cards is densely ornamented, its twelve mihrab-shape panels lively with flowers, birds, and leaves, all set against a background of golden tracery. less