The Box (6” x 5” x 2.75”)

A stunning hand-carved Kashmiri walnut wood keepsake box featuring dense relief carving of floral and vine motifs covering every surface — a style known as Dhoon kaem, traditional to Srinagar craftsmen. The oval lid medallion features brass inlay leaf accents. Shows age-appropriate wear consistent with early-to-mid 20th century origin. Hinged lid functions well.

The Books

Two matching miniature volumes by Louis Rouzic, published Paris, 1910 by P. Lethielleux. Church-approved devotional texts (Nil Obstat / Imprimatur) in French. Red cloth hardcover with gold spine lettering. One title visible: Se Connaître: L’Examen (“Know Thyself: The Examination”). A matched pair in remarkable condition for their age.

The Photograph

Original sepia-tone photo of a uniformed man — cap, badge, formal stance — likely a police officer or municipal official, early 1900s. Evocative and unidentified.