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Item Report
Folk Art Brass Duck-Shaped Lidded Box
By:Unknown
Style:Folk Art / Decorative Brassware
Origin:India or Southeast Asia (likely India)
Materials:Cast brass
Age:Mid-20th century (circa 1950-1970)
Condition:Very Good (shows honest surface wear, no major repairs, consistent with age)
Value:$40–$90 (auction estimate)
Maker's Marks / Writing:None visible.
Date:2025-07-02 15:19:46.640070
Description:
This is a lidded box or container in the form of a duck, executed in brass. The piece features naive, folk-art style engraved detailing to represent feathers, with a hinge at the middle and a clasp at the belly. The form and construction suggest it was crafted as a decorative or functional object, possibly used for holding small valuables, incense, or as a betel nut box; these forms are typically encountered in Indian or Southeast Asian decorative arts.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
An attractive example of folk art brasswork, likely made in India for local or export markets. The whimsical, stylized form of a duck is characteristic of mid-century artisan metalworking. Surface oxidation and patina indicate some age and handling, but it appears to be a decorative rather than an antique ritual or high-status object. A word about fakes..: Decorative brasswork from this region is widely reproduced and often artificially aged, but this example appears to have genuine mid-century wear.
Individual Images:
Only one main image provided; shows well the engraving
patina
hinge
and clasp mechanism. The feet appear slightly irregular
a sign of hand casting. There do not appear to be any obvious cracks or repairs. No closeups of interior or base
so cannot inspect for further marks or construction details.
Provenance:
No provenance documents or photos provided.
Condition:
Very Good (shows honest surface wear, no major repairs, consistent with age)
Identification Score: 90%
The characteristic form, construction, and engraving make it easy to identify this as a mid-century brass lidded box from India or Southeast Asia. The clasp and straightforward decorative treatment are typical for functional folk art pieces. The only lingering question is the specific region, but the general identification is very solid.
Authenticity Score: 80%
This piece shows genuine signs of age including surface patina, minor dents, and wear that are consistent with authentic, vintage handmade brass items. No obvious indications of recent manufacture or artificial aging are present, though the genre is known for well-done reproductions. Based on the available image and visible details, it is likely authentic mid-century folk art.
Image Memory Note
Unusual mid-century brass duck-shaped lidded box, likely Indian, possibly betel nut or multipurpose container. Notable for its stylized engraving, clasp, and honest patina.
Keywords
brass duck box, folk art, India, Southeast Asia, mid-century, decorative arts, lidded container
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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