Vintage Kashmiri Papier-Mâché Trinket Box with Birds – Hand Painted, India

Vintage Kashmiri Papier-Mâché Trinket Box with Birds – Hand Painted, India

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A beautifully evocative vintage Kashmiri papier-mâché trinket box, hand-painted in rich, time-softened reds and decorated with stylised birds in flight. Small in scale but full of soul, this piece is a wonderful example of traditional Indian craft, where colour, symbolism and gentle wear come together to tell a story.

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The box is finished in a classic red crackle lacquer ground, a hallmark of Kashmiri papier-mâché work, with delicate birds painted in warm earthy tones. The interior is lacquered black, creating a striking contrast and offering a smooth resting place for treasured small items.

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The birds – often interpreted as cranes or herons – are a recurring motif in Indo-Persian inspired design, symbolising freedom, travel, and the movement of the spirit. Their paired flight gives the piece a sense of balance and quiet poetry.

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On the base is an original vintage retail label from “Khazana”, an Indian handicrafts retailer, complete with a handwritten price in rupees. This small detail adds provenance and firmly places the box within the mid to late 20th century, during a period when traditional craft techniques were being preserved and celebrated.

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Details at a glance

Origin: India (Kashmir)

Date: Mid–late 20th century

Material: Papier-mâché with hand-painted lacquer finish

Decoration: Stylised birds in flight on red crackle ground

Interior: Black lacquer

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Dimensions: Approx. 7 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm

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Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related wear, paint rubbing and surface patina consistent with use and age

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Why we love it

This is the kind of object that doesn’t shout – it whispers. A small, soulful box that feels personal and tactile, perfect for jewellery, keepsakes, or simply displayed as a quiet decorative accent. Its wear is honest, its decoration charming, and its story rooted in centuries-old craft traditions.

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A lovely addition to bohemian, eclectic, global, or vintage-inspired interiors – and a piece that rewards a closer look.