Sialkot koftgari casket

In 19th century India, the main manufacture of fine koftgari work was in the Punjabi region in Sialkot and Lahore. Both attracted by many craftsmen during the Sikh empire. When the demand for swords and shields began to decline, the craftsman focussed on regular metalwork and expanded their expertise to objects like these. The casket was made of forged steel and decorated in a very fine classical arabesque pattern in silver and gold koftgari. The combination of this type of koftgari is locally called ‘Ganga jamni’ and is based on two rivers coming together. The base is decorated with a crosshatched pattern in damascened silver.

The inside of the box is covered with a red velvet liner which is still intact.