India, Mid-20th Century (c. 1960–1980)

This is a matched pair of tall hand-engraved brass vases produced in Northern India"”likely in the Kashmir or Moradabad region"”during the height of mid-20th-century export craftsmanship. Each vase stands an impressive 20 inches tall, considerably larger than the standard Kashmiri engraved vases from the same period. The elongated trumpet mouth, tapering neck, and rounded baluster body rising from a stepped circular foot are all characteristic of Indo-Persian–inspired decorative brasswork of the 1960s–1980s.
The vases are decorated with densely engraved floral and foliate motifs arranged in continuous horizontal registers. The ornament includes cross-hatched backgrounds, leaf clusters, and stylized blossoms, demonstrating traditional hand-chisel work. Cold-applied red enamel remains visible throughout the engraved patterning, with subtle black infill accenting selected details. Both vases display nearly identical workmanship, proportion, and decorative bands, confirming their original production as a coordinated pair.
Dimensions
Height: 20 in each
Materials & Technique
Hand-engraved brass with cold-applied red and black enamel accents.
Deep chisel engraving with cross-hatched ground fields typical of Kashmiri and Moradabad workshop production.
The pair is priced at the appraised value, reflecting comparable mid-20th-century Indian engraved brass vases sold through U.S. auction houses, antique dealers, and private collectors, with a premium given to the 20-inch height. The appraisal is available upon request


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Both vases are in excellent condition, consistent with their age. The brass surfaces exhibit a naturally aged, even patina, with minor oxidation around the bases and interior rims. The engraved decoration remains sharp and well-defined across all registers. The red enamel shows the expected softening and partial fading from age, but remains present in all major decorative zones. There are no dents, cracks, or structural issues, and both vases stand evenly. Overall presentation is attractive and stable, with matching wear patterns confirming their integrity as a pair.

Origin:
India

Materials & Techniques:
Brass, Enamel

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Both vases are in excellent condition, consistent with their age. The brass surfaces exhibit a naturally aged, even patina, with minor oxidation around the bases and interior rims. The engraved decoration remains sharp and well-defined across all registers. The red enamel shows the expected softening and partial fading from age, but remains present in all major decorative zones. There are no dents, cracks, or structural issues, and both vases stand evenly. Overall presentation is attractive and stable, with matching wear patterns confirming their integrity as a pair.