Kashmir Gold Maple Leaf Maple Card Holder Box

This decorative card holder box appears to be a Kashmiri papier-mache box featuring traditional gold leaf designs of maple leaves and floral motifs on a red lacquered background. These decorative boxes originated in Kashmir, India, where the craft of papier-mache and lacquer work has been practiced for centuries, influenced by Persian artistic traditions.

Such specialized card holder boxes were designed to store and display calling cards, business cards, or playing cards, making them both functional and decorative items for a desk or side table.

Collectors of Asian decorative arts and vintage desk accessories particularly value these pieces for their practical use combined with ornamental appeal. The intricate gold leaf work and distinctive red lacquer finish make it especially attractive to enthusiasts of traditional Eastern handicrafts.

Kashmir, India, Mid 20th century

L x 4" W x 1.75 " H