5541

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    Colonial Indian Sandalwood Jewel Box with Engraved Silver Mounts

    South India, probably Coromandel Coast
    17th-18th century

    length: 15.8cm height: 8.8cm, depth: 10.5cm, weight: 481g

    Sold

    Provenance

    UK art market

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    This fine box is superb for its elegant proportions and particularly for its splendid, almost glowing patina.

    It is made of sandalwood with etched tusk veneer edging and engraved high-grade silver mounts dates to the early 18th century. It has been fitted inside to serve as a jewellery box with an area for rings and compartments for necklaces and other keepsakes. Included is a two-part pull-out tray and beneath that, a draw with a silver pull.

    The lid is hinged and the two original silver supporting chains are fitted to each side to hold the lid in place when open.

    The silver mounts include a fine key-plate in the form of a double-headed eagle or parrot (which in South India, was the emblem for the royal house of Mysore); hinge flanges inside the box; engraved corner mounts; and petalled, domed roundels to hide rivet heads.

    The box is in fine condition. The lock is no longer present. Bu there are no major losses. Overall, it is an excellent and highly decorative item.

    References

    Jaffer, A., Furniture from British India and Ceylon: A Catalogue of the Collections in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, Timeless Books, 2001.

    Moura Carvalho, P., Luxury for Export: Artistic Exchange between Indian and Portugal around 1600, Gutenberg Periscope Publishing, 2008.

    Veenendaal, J., Furniture from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India During the Dutch Period, Foundation Volkenkundig Museum Nusantara, 1985.

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