Box

This exceptionally crafted oval shaped box is made from beaten gold and studded with fine rubies and diamonds against a lazuli-blue enamelled background. Set within the lid is an earlier, 12th century AH/18th century CE engraved chalcedony stone of cream colouring, delicately inscribed with the 99 names of Allah, an inscription containing sura (chapter) XCVI of the Qur'an, and a date: “"Friday, year 1165", corresponding to 1751 - 1752 CE. Fine floral patterning fills the rest of the plaque. During the 13th century AH/19th century CE, it was increasingly popular to set earlier carved Mughal stones within modern settings. This gem-set, enamelled gold box was made specifically for this engraved agate, to showcase its splendid decoration and to transform it into a container of precious materials, such as jewellery or resins.