Ceremonial box

This is an intricate Kurnool box used as a ritual storage box possibly for tiruman (lime paste) and kumkum (vermillion) applied on the forehead by worshippers of Vishnu. Vishnu, one of the principal gods of Hinduism, is the preserver of the Universe. The box has the Dashavatara of Vishnu (Vishnu’s ten incarnations), represented all along the side of the box while the top of the lid shows Vishvaroopa form (Vishnu’s multi-armed, multi-headed) of Maha Vishnu (The Absolute). The interior has two partitions on the ends, and a square central section. An element of Deccani Islamic influence could be perceived especially in the cartouche motif and the centralised floral arrangement on the top of the shrine.

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