A Mughal Period Silver Chaughara or Masaladan (Cosmetic or Spice Box), Rajasthan, ca. 1800

Description A circular silver chaughara or masaladan (cosmetic or spice box), on six legs terminating in heart-shaped feet supporting the main body which is divided into six heart-shaped compartments, each with a hinged lid surmounted by a stylized leaf and small flower bud.  A large central lotus bud finial with a petal fringe and long, hand-cut threaded shaft unscrews in clockwise direction to release the compartment lids.  Each would have contained spices, stored in seed form rather than ground, such as those taken after a meal to freshen the breath, or cosmetics for men such as sandalwood paste, vermilion, curds, honey and ghee (the five sacred ingredients). Dimensions & Weight: Body diameter: 11.2 cm / 4 3/8 ins.;     Height (including finial): 8.7 cm / 3 3/8 ins.;     Weight:  396 gms / 12.7 ozT. Maker’s Marks: There are no maker’s marks, but the silver appears to be of a good standard of purity. Reference: Similar examples of silver chaughara or masaladan are shown on pp. 158-60 in Mughal Silver Magnificence by Christiane Terlinden (Antalga, 1987).