Lacquer Box with Fantastical Creature Handmade in Kashmir, India things to read and the fabulous green polka

and the fabulous green polka dotted band running above the landscape

It measures approximately 25” long x 10 1/2” wide

a couple of daisies

While it is almost concealed

5 inches tall with lid

Lacquer Box with Fantastical Creature Handmade in Kashmir, India things to read and the fabulous green polkaWho is this marvelous fantastical beast that lives on the top of this vintage lacquer box? He looks a bit like a dog with antlers and a head dress, but his face seems positively human, and he has what looks rather like a tiny hand and wrist for a nose! Whatever he is, he's about the best creature I've seen, and is set off perfectly against a bold yellow ground, with additional colorful abstract forms, again rather mysterious, on all sides of the box.