Vintage Khatam Intricate Micro Mosaic Lidded Box Velvet Lining Inlaid Marquetry

A beautiful, intricate, handcrafted box! 6-3/4" square by 1-3/4" tall. Good vintage condition. Box has some wear due to age, and there is a chip on one corner that reveals just how thin the marquetry is. It is lined with red velvet, and the inside bottom of the box is fitted with a piece of clear acrylic. Please see photos for details. Khātam is an ancient Persian technique of inlaid marquetry using wood, bone, and metal. "Woodworking artisans across the globe have been developing and perfecting decorative inlay techniques for well over a thousand years. Among the spectrum of styles, one particularly interesting technique is called khatam (or khatam-kari, with khatam meaning “to seal” and kari meaning “work,” essentially the art of sealing). Developed in the ancient Persian Empire, khatam-kari gained popularity in the 16th century. This unique form of marquetry (applying veneer patterns to a surface) features signature tiny geometric designs made of wood, metal, and bone... Thin rods of wood, bone, and metal are cut to roughly 2mm (or less) thick and 30cm long, then bound together, first with string and then with glue. The desired pattern becomes visible by looking at one end of the bundle, from which 1mm slices are cut. The slices are then arranged and adhered on the surface to be adorned. In the finished product, there may be upwards of 250 pieces to each cubic centimeter!" (https://makezine.com/article/craft/heirloom-tech-inlaid-micro-geometries-khatam/)