In almost every Indian kitchen, there’s a masala dabba within arm’s reach of the stove. It holds the everyday spices: turmeric, chilli, cumin and mustard seeds, ready for a pinch of this and a spoonful of that. It’s often passed down from mother to daughter, carrying years of family recipes with it.

Ours is made in solid brass with a soft brushed finish. Inside, seven katoris keep your spices separate and fresh, with a small spoon whose ornate, antique-finish handle makes even measuring feel special. The lid is the star: two peacocks, India’s national bird and a symbol of grace and good fortune, face each other on a flowering branch, picked out in royal blue, emerald, magenta and crimson enamel against a finely textured silvery ground.

Keep it by the hob for everyday cooking, or bring it to the table to serve mukhwas after a meal. It’s a beautiful Diwali, housewarming or wedding gift, and a lovely way to pass something meaningful on to the next generation of cooks.