A Pratapgarh gold and stained glass Thewa pen box
Rajasthan, 19th Centurythe silver box of rectangular form with hinged lid, set with green glass panels with incised gold decoration, depicting hunting scenes, birds and animals in combat amidst a vegetal landscape, the gilded interior with removable divider
21.2 x 7 x 4.2 cm.注脚The ancient town of Pratabgarh near Udaipur was home to this unique form of applying gold to foiled back enamel. Articles of European style and function, such as the present lot, were popular luxury items for visiting Europeans in the 19th century.

A close example from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, 518-2008. See also, Oppi Untracht, Traditional Jewellery of India, London, 1997, p.301 for an illustration of a similar Thewa-work pice.