Featured Asian / Indian Carving Set - any ideas?

Dear All

Does anyone have any idea's on this carving set I've recently acquired, looking for likely age and origins? The pattern looks familiar, I think I've seen it before on something but cant think what.
The underside has what looks possibly like Chinese/Japanese type characters, though could be random scuffs/scratches/wear, but they seem paint like, especially the larger 'characters' in the middle.
Anyway, as always any pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul

 

I should also state its made of a light wood.

 

If my memory serves me that "TV antenna" shaped symbol in the middle of the last image was Japanese. Can't remember what it meant and could be wrong so best to wait for the experts.
Cheers
Stephen

 

Thanks Stephen, we'll see what the experts make of it. I sort of agree about the Japanese character though maybe I'm seeing what I want to see rather than what it is.
The whole thing has a Japanese type look I guess, though the meat carving set things are quite common in India hence why it's leaning that way. The pattern doesn't strike me as Indian though. I'm yet to inspect the cutlery so maybe that'll through up some clues.

 

Please post close ups of the enamel decoration, so we can see if it is cloisonne or champleve (or something else).

 

Squids, you were right about India as a possibility. It is from Kashmir, NW India. The decoration is classic Kashmiri lacquer.
The script is probably Arabic, the most prominent script used to write the Kashmiri language (Koshur).

 

Thanks for that. I'll look up Kashmir items.
Below are some close ups of the decoration:

 

Yes, definitely Kashmiri lacquer. But I knew that already. The type of floral painting and the colour combination on a black ground are Kashmir.

 

Yes true lol thanks again

 

Yep. Even blurry photos make it clear it is painted lacquer rather than cloisonne.

 

Hi any idea on the value of this item anyone? Thanks

 

we don't do values here...to many unknown and complications to suggest a fair market price.....
but knowing what it is could help you track down others that may have asking or sold prices.....for a comparison !