Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
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Style: Anglo-Indian
Vintage Indian Cloisonné Round Brass Trinket Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage cloisonné round trinket box, with black and gold flower and foliage decorating the lid. Made in India sticker on bottom.
Category
20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
ORIGINAL ANTiQUE ANGLO INDIAN EXPORT SADELI MICRO MOSAIC BUSINESS CARD CASE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely, super decorative antique Islamic Anglo Indian Sadeli Micro Mosaic Card Case
A wonderfully orig...
Category
20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Vintage Round Trinket Lidded Brass Box with Mother of Pearl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage ornate Brass inlaid with mother of Pearl Powder Jar, Jewelry Box, Dresser Box, Pill Box, Vanity Box decorated with seashell.
Vintage round decorative trinket box with lid or ...
Category
20th Century Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Anglo-Indian Stag Horn Veneered Sewing / Work Box From Vizagapatam
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Anglo-Indian stag horn veneered sandalwood sewing or work box with a sloped two-tier lid having a carved finial above tapered sides and raised on compressed ball feet. The interior w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Antler, Wood
Anglo-Indian 14"w Stag Horn Veneered Sandalwood Document/Storage Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Anglo-Indian antler veneered work/storage made in Vizagapatam, of large size and having a double tiered sloped top with a large circular finial above vertically veneered sides, all r...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Antler, Horn, Wood
Anglo-Indian Ribbed Horn Box with Sandalwood Interior
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Anglo-Indian glove or trinket box from Vizagapatam of rectangular form with sloped top. Made from sandalwood with vertically ribbed horn veneered sides and starburst ribbed lid with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Indian Koftgari Box, Nineteenth Century
Located in Toronto, CA
An exquisite Indian Koftgari work box, or jewelry box, circa 1900, in oval shape. Featuring very fine, gold thread decoration with three silvered bun feet and a silvered base. The li...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver, Iron
Ivory and Blue Chevron Bone Inlay Trinket Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Ivory and blue chevron decorative trinket rectangular lidded box inlaid with white bone and resin on wood.
Large stylish Moorish trinket lidded box with bone and wood inlaid handcraf...
Category
20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone
19th Century Anglo Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box with Interior Divided Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A large rectangular box made of dark hardwood inlaid with bone dots framing panels of porcupine quill. The exterior of the box is veneered with quill cut and arranged to create a zig...
Category
Late 19th Century Sri Lankan Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Antique Anglo Indian Bone and Tortoise Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive antique Anglo Indian box crafted in mahogany, clad in tortoise shell, and ambitiously decorated with bone. The inside has a mirror and red felt lining.
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Tortoise Shell
Anglo Indian Faux Tortoise Trinket Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Inspired vintage Anglo Indian hinged box crafted in mahogany and clad in a faux tortoise laminate.
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany
Marble Inlay Marble Box Censor Stone Travertine Box India 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Anglo-Raj Marble Inlay Box Marble Pietra Dura Censor Stone Travertine Box 1950s.
Vintage inlaid marble pietra dura decorative box with lid handcrafted in India.
Handmade marble decorative lidded box inlaid with brass.
It is the same craft that you see in the Taj Mahal.
Very nice fine pietra dura art work.
Box is: 4" x 6" x 1"5 H.
Handcrafted brown marble decorative box, handmade in Rajasthan, India.
Open carved Jali Moorish Mughal Style open work on each sides to use with incense or home perfume.
Vintage rectangular shape decorative lidded travertine table top trinket box with brass banding.
A mid 20th century modern style period travertine marble box.
The stone has subtle light earth tone variations that contrast with the reflective brass accents.
This elegant trinket decorative marble box...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Late 19th Century Silver Deer Box from India
Located in Marseille, FR
Late 19th century silver deer box from India.
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Britannia Standard Silver
Anglo Indian Tortoise and Bone Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive Anglo Indian box crafted in mahogany and clad in tortoise shell decorated with bone straps, carved and painted floral panels, and paw feet. The inside has a mirror and bon...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Tortoise Shell
Anglo-Indian Horn Box with Inlaid Metal Floral Motifs Raised on Turned Feet
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Anglo-Indian box made from panels of horn and decorated with inlaid brass and white metal forming stylized flowers and borders, raised on turned horn feet. Missing four or five dots.
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
1950s Anglo Indian Style Rosewood Box with Brass Tree of Life Symbol Inlaid
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1950s Antique Anglo Indian Victorian Style Rosewood Box with Brass Tree of Life Symbol Inlaid. An elegant Anglo Indian Victorian style rosewood box in rectangular shape.A Beautiful A...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Rosewood
Antique Anglo Indian Silver Mounted Nautilus Shell Cup
Located in London, GB
A rare and beautiful ornament, this is an antique Nautilus shell cup with lid, mounted with silver. It was likely made in India, and dates from the ...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
19th Century Moorish Tortoiseshell and Bone Blue Velvet Lined Trinket Box
Located in High Wycombe, GB
19th Century Moorish Tortoiseshell and Bone Trinket Box, Lined with Blue Velvet.
Ideal for jewellery or keepsakes or just as a decorative desk item.
Category
Mid-19th Century Moroccan Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Tortoise Shell
Antique Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Jewelry Inlaid Sadeli Footed Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique 19th century Anglo-Indian jewelry, trinket footed box, inlay with ebony, mosaic marquetry Sadeli work and a carved Hindu scene on top.
The box case is made from sandalwood wi...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Bone, Mother-of-Pearl
1950s Anglo Indian Style Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1950's Anglo Indian, Indo Persian style micro mosaic inlaid jewelry box with lid.
Large vintage intricate inlaid middle Eastern Persian style box with floral and geometric Islamic Mo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
1950s Fine And Densely Carved Anglo-Indian Style Box
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1950s Fine And Densely Carved Anglo-Indian Style Box
Drawer at outside base of box
South-Indian or Anglo-Indian style
Lacking keys
Decoration adorned on all sides depicting birds amo...
Category
1950s Vintage Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Anglo-Indian Style Penwork Box
Located in New York, NY
In the form of a house; the hinged top opening to an open interior. In the spirit of early nineteenth century pinworm on ivory boxes that were highly collected in Regency England.
Category
20th Century English Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ivory, Wood
19th Century Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Antler Veneered Sewing / Work Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A fine Vizagapatam made antler veneered sewing / work box having tapered sides and a double tiered four-slope lid with a carved finial and all raised on four turned feet. The interio...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Antler, Wood
20th Century English Style Yew Wood Chest on Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A 20th Century English Style Yew Wood Chest on Stand. Felt lined interior as well as underbox. Overall measurements are 19" in width, 10.75" in depth and 24.25" in height. Chest alon...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Felt, Yew
Vintage South Asian Folk Art Hand Painted Wooden Box - India - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage South Asian hand painted wooden box with removeable lid - featuring a full length portrait of an Indian woman in a pink sari to the lid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Softwood, Paint
Very Decorative Vizagapatam Box INDIA 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
VERY DECORATIVE VIZAGAPATAM BOX
Vizagapatam, India, 19th Century.
Rustic workmanship will only add to the decorative appeal of this Anglo-Indian footed domed casket in ebonized woo...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone
Kashmir Black Lacquer & Hand Painted Papier Mâché Box, India, Mid-20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage South Asian / Kashmir hand painted papier mâché box with removeable lid - featuring a profuse floral pattern over the top and sides set against a black lacquer background - h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Composition
19th Century Anglo Indian Rosewood Box
Located in Tampa, FL
An Anglo Indian Rosewood box circa late 19th century. The gilt design of florals and scrolls on the top carriers through to all four sides so...
Category
1890s Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Rosewood
19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Mosaic Folio Cover
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A RARE AND DESIRABLE 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Mosaic Folio Cover.
This is a VERY RARE piece of Anglo-Indian and British Victorian Colonial history!
...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Precious Stone, Sandalwood
19c Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Sandalwood Sarcophagus Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A VERY NICE 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Sandalwood Sarcophagus Sewing Box.
Made in Bombay, India circa 1890-1900.
The box case/body is made of sandalwo...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Padouk, Sandalwood
19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk Wood with Sadeli Mosaic Inlay Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk Wood with Sadeli Mosaic Inlay Sewing Box.
Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880.
The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised padouk wood panels on all sides, depicting temple scenes, animals and foliage.
The box is in a sarcophagus form.
It is edged in bone (and we can tell it is bone and not ivory, from the color and evidence of capillaries, which are not found in ivory), and banded with Bombay Sadeli mosaic and ebony veneer.
The lid opens to reveal a removable tray with various open compartments and lidded compartments. 5 lidded compartments, 1 unlidded compartment and 8 holders for thimbles, etc
The tray lifts to reveal a blue velvet (original) lined section, for storing jewelry etc, with sections for collars etc.
The inside of the lid has a removable mirror (the mirror is missing on this one but can easily be replaced). Behind the mirror is the original green velvet lining.
It has its original brass carry handles on the sides and sits on 4 silvered button feet (of recent origin).
Some repairs to the exterior and condition issues (priced accordingly), but still a LOVELY COLLECTIBLE box!
These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors.
Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were!
SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins.
The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials.
Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and Horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color.
The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, Horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched.
The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design.
On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent.
The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Padouk, Sandalwood
19C Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Bone and Shell Domed Stationery Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Bone and Shell Domed Stationery Box – ‘Alice’s Box’.
Made in Vizagapatam, India, circa 1860-80.
We call this one: “Alice’s Box”! It has lived ‘a hard, well used and traveled life’, as is evident from the number of losses and repairs, as is obvious from the photos, especially to the faux ivory panels and bands to the top. The bonus to the loss of the frieze panels to the dome has a ‘bonus’, however, as their loss has revealed the most GORGEOUS faux blonde tortoiseshell underneath!
The box is dome/casket shaped.
The top has 3 bands, with the center one being the original. The 2 side bands are later ivorine.
The faux ivory and hand-painted medallions on the domed lid, have been saved and they depict Hindu Gods, Vishnu and Shiva.
The front and side panels are still in pretty good shape and are decorated with lac ink (indelible ink made from crushed beetles) depicting lovely floral designs.
The domed lid open to reveal a series of open compartments for envelopes, writing paper etc. and one lidded panel for stamps.
Inside the box are 2 paper labels: one probably being the original item ticket and the other with:
” Alice’s address is 272 Ashworth Ave, Toronto 4, Ontario”.
Probably, the original owner? Hence, we call it ‘Alice’s Box’.
What a journey/life this box has had!
Made in India, made its way to Canada, back to Ireland and then to Texas!
This is why, WE LOVE ANTIQUES...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Shell, Sandalwood
Anglo Indian Colonial Brass Inlaid Teak Jewelry Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A Beautiful Anglo Indian, Colonial, brass inlaid teak jewelry lidded box made for the English market.
handcrafted with floral and hearts brass inlays on top are surrounded by brass inlaid border, intricate brass inlays design of florals and scrolls carries through to all four sides so will display nicely on a shelf, desk or coffee table.
Displays a desirable aged patina and the teak wood shows fine grain interest and deep caramel hues.
A large Anglo-Indian teak colonial Campaign casket with brass inlay, the hinged cover opens to reveal an original fitted interior with two compartments interior lined with red velvet.
This is a distinctive and highly appealing vintage semi antique Anglo Indian jewelry...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Sandalwood Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus S
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Sandalwood Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box.
Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80.
Box made of sandalwood with highly carved padouk wood reliefs and panels on all sides.
Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosiac, made from tiny pieces of faux ivory, pewter, green semi-precious stone.
The box is in a sarcophagus form with domed lid.
The original brass carry handles are on the sides.
The interior is in great condition and consists of a removeable mirror under the lid portion, with the original red velvet lining behind it.
The base is removeable and contains a number of lidded compartments.
6 of the interior lids on the base, are each inlaid with sadeli mosaic banding. The rest are also carved and chased.
The interior is fully complete with 7 lidded faux ivory/bone, thread canisters with sadeli domes and the original bone thimble.
The box sits on 4 brass ball or bun feet with the original velvet lining on the base.
Some minor repairs and losses, but this box is fully complete. This is ‘rare’ as many of these boxes have not survived in such condition!
Included in the sale are 2 photos that were in the box (under the base tray). Interestingly, one of them is a view of downtown Nassau, New Providence (Bermuda) from the early 20C and stamped on the rear. What a ‘journey’ this piece has made! Made in India … travelled to Bermuda, probably via Britain … back to Ireland (where we bought it) …. then to Texas!
These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors.
Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th Century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were!
Of it’s type, this one, is one of the very higher quality one’s, than the norm!
SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins.
The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials.
Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color.
The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched.
The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design.
On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent.
The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Padouk, Sandalwood
19th Century Anglo Indian Silver and Brass Filigree Dresser Box
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century anglo Indian silver and brass filigree inlaid dresser box. This is a gorgeous dresser box, profusely silver inlaid into wood in a stunning geometric pattern. A great pie...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk Sadeli Mosaic Scroll Box of Hindu Gods
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND EXCEPTIONAL 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk Sadeli Mosaic Scroll Box of Hindu Gods from circa 1870-80.
The box case is made from sandalwood with highly hand-carved padouk wood reliefs on all sides and banded and edged in fabulous ‘Sadeli Mosaic’, made from faux ivory/bone, ebony, silver, semi-precious green stone, etc., in various geometric patterns.
The carved lid of this box is EXCEPTIONAL!
It is HIGHLY HAND-CARVED and depicts 13 Hindu Gods: Vishnu, Shiva, Harihara, etc., in 9 oval shaped reliefs, surrounded by foliage etc.
The sides and rear have highly carved foliage relief panels.
The lid opens to reveal the original red velvet lining (also on the base) in SUPERB CONDITION throughout.
The QUALITY of the ‘sadeli mosaic’ work is EXCEPTIONAL all over.
It has its key and working lock.
It sits on it’s 4 original brass turned ball feet.
THIS IS A HIGH QUALITY & VERY RARE AND DESIRABLE BOX!
SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins.
The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials.
Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color.
The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched.
The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design.
On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent.
The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Anglo Indian Micro Mosaic Inlay Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely crafted early 20th century Anglo Indian micro mosaic Sadeli box with gorgeous antique Persian geometric pattern.
The finely detailed box featu...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood, Bone
Green Indian Lacquered Box Decorative Box, 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Nice Indian box in green lacquered wood dating from the end of the 20th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and green pattern.
Category
20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Tortoise Shell Decorative Box with Paw Feet. Tortoise Shell With Bun Feet.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Tortoise shell decorative box with bun feet. We have other tortoise boxes similar in form that would be a lovely collection. Feel free to call or email with questions. Priced per b...
Category
19th Century English Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Antique American Gilt & Inset Glass Decorative Dresser Box or Vide Poche
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique decorative box was made by the Apollo Manufacturing Company of the United States in approximately 1920 in an Anglo-Indian style. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Spelter
Carved Mahogany Cat with Secret Compartment
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Anglo Indian carved mahogany cat with ebonized stripes and a curious expression, featuring a secret compartment on the bottom.
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany
18 C, Indo-Portuguese Vargueno Mini Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a fabulously rare 18c Indo-Portuguese Vargueno mini cabinet.
Extremely rare, highly important and desirable colonial piece !
It is an In...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Indian Cast Brass Metal Incense Burner in a Snail Form
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand tooled cast metal incense stick holder in a Snail Shaped form.
Vintage cast brass incense burner holder.
A censer, incense burner, perfume ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Handcrafted Tinned Copper Metal Betel or Spices Caddy Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful handcrafted tinned copper decorative octagonal betel box with lid and brass latch.
The metal is delicately and intricately hand-hammered and repousse with floral and geometric designs.
This Vintage brass box...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Anglo Indian Decorative Box with Painted Figures of Dancers
Located in Stamford, CT
Very decorative hand painted in the Anglo-Indian style. Painted back and gold with each framed panel filled with female dancers and male flower bearing suiters. A colorful and fun, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Indian Wood Pen Box with Hand Painted Figural Scenes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The rectangular Indian pen box with domed hinged lid is hand-painted with colorful figural Maharajah court scenes on top and floral designs on each side.
Hand painted Rajasthani decorative writing...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Vintage Tissue Box in Exotic Indian Rosewood with Brass Inlays
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exquisite vintage tissue box made of solid sheesham wood with exotic brass inlays. handcrafted by Indian artisans, the box has a stylized hand carve...
Category
1980s Indian Vintage Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Anglo-Indian Footed Box with Lidded Compartments, 19th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
19th century Anglo-Indian wooden box fitted with various compartments finely hand carved.
The top is finely hand carved with the Taj Mahal.
The interior with removable hand carved nine-lidded compartments, the front cover has a mirror, the whole exhibiting very fine workmanship.
This fine late Victorian Anglo-Indian box from India is in great condition for it age.
A beautiful example of an Anglo-Indian fine art...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sandalwood
18C Indo-Persian Campaign Vanity Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING AN EXTREMELY RARE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT Indo-Persian Campaign Vanity Box from circa 1780-1800.
Box inlaid with exquisite mosaic inlay.
In the Indo-Persian style of mosaic with Islamic styles.
The mosaic consists of green semi precious stone, bone, brass and pewter in star shaped geometric designs.
Box opens up to reveal a travel mirror...
Category
18th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Brass
19C Anglo Indian Sadeli Mosaic Greeting Card Case
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a superb 19C Anglo Indian Sadeli Mosaic greeting card case.
Made in or around Bombay, India circa 1880.
This is a greeting card case used for holding your greeting cards or business cards of the day !
The body of the case is made from sandalwood and it is fully overlaid with bone and highly intricate Sadeli Mosaic made up of thousands of micro mosaic pieces of bone, ebony, silver/pewter and semi precious stone.
The workmanship is stupenduous !!!!
This case is almost museum quality. One or two very, very minor losses of mosaic mainly where the top meets the body but otherwise near mint !
SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins.
The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials.
Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color.
The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched.
The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design.
On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent.
The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Precious Stone, Ebony
Asian Handcrafted Oval Betel Box in Metal Silvered
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Asian decorative trinket lidded box in metal silvered hammered and etched with organic floral design.
Anglo Raj style oval form betel box.
Dimensio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
19C Anglo Ceylonese Sewing Box of Museum Quality
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an absolutely stunning 19c Anglo Ceylonese sewing box of museum quality.
Made in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) circa 1860, this is one of the finest sewing boxes of it’s kind that we have ever seen!
The box is made from coromandel wood (an exotic hardwood found in Ceylon) and has a serpentine edging all over the front, back and sides.
Very often the lids/tops of these boxes suffer cracks due to shrinkage but this one is near perfect with no crack in the lid/top. There is some evidence of natural shrinkage but that is around the edges of the lid/top.
It is when you open this box that it reveals it’s true beauty, quality and treasure !
The inside of the lid/top is heavily and beautifully decorated with inlaid bone in scrolling floral patterns which have then been hand painted with red and black ‘lac’ ink. The central medallion is a circle of inlaid specimen exotic hardwoods radiating towards a central bone and hand painted flower. The circle is edged in bone, wood and silver chevrons.
What makes this box Exceptionally rare is that it contains 3 lift out base sections. Normally, there would be a maximum of 2.
The first tray/section is clearly for the purposes ancillary to sewing with a pair of sections with bone spools for thread etc. There are 17 other lidded compartments with each one highly decorated using hand painted bone and specimen woods to replicate tortoiseshell.
The first tray lifts out to reveal a second removeable tray which is made up of a pair of open sections and 8 specimen wood lidded sections each with chevron banding.
The third tray is a smaller tray underneath with 14 lidded compartments each with hand painted bone and specimen wood inlaid lids again, replicating the look of tortoiseshell. Again they are banded with a chevron border.
This is a museum quality piece !
It is in fantastic condition for it’s age with the minor shrinkage to the edges of the lid/top, some finger pulls missing and some very minor cracks to the tray lids and bases but nothing that in any way detracts from the piece. No key.
Dimensions: Closed the box is 16.75 inches wide, 11.25 inches deep and 7.5 inches high
Fully open the box is 16.5 inches high, 16.75 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep
Anglo-Indian and ceylonese boxes: Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins.
Anglo-Indian boxes normally consist of 3 main types:-
(1) Most of the best and highest quality Anglo-Indian boxes in the 18th and 19th centuries were made in Vizagapatam, India, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in using ivory and tortoiseshell and lac decoration. These are referred to as ‘Vizagapatam Boxes...
Category
Mid-19th Century Sri Lankan Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Hand-Carved Stone Jewelry Box Rajasthan, India
By Agra
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Anglo Raj carved soap stone footed jewelry box..
Handcrafted decorative box with foliage design with soap stone natural jade like colors.
Lined with red velvet.
Very nice fine art...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Soapstone
Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Bombay Mughal Style Footed Box With Bone Overlay
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Nice and unusual Indian Mughal style large decorative box, filigree and carved horn.
Anglo-Indian footed domed box with exceptional engraved details throughout with filigree and carved veneered bone plaques with arabesque carving.
Vizagapatam, late 19th century.
History of the Anglo-Indian Boxes
Beginning in the early part of the 18th century, Indian artisans made what came to be known as Anglo-Indian boxes for the English residents living in India, who eventually brought or sent them back to England. At the beginning of the 19th century, India began exporting these boxes commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the 1850s. People valued them so highly that manufacturers of tins copied the designs on them in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Anglo-Indian boxes fall into four groups: Rosewood or ebony boxes inlaid;
sandalwood boxes veneered; sandalwood boxes covered with Sadeli mosaic; and carved boxes often combined with Sadeli mosaic/
The first two categories came from Vizagapatam in East India while the last two came from Bombay in West India.
English traders discovered the rich woods and intricate workmanship of Indian artisans, so colonial government officials began to recognize the work of the Indian artists and craftsmen as a source for satisfying the need for furniture and boxes, which would both serve to enhance English households in India. This gave rise to the cabinetmaking workshops in Vizagapatam between Calcutta and Madras.
Craftsmen made the first boxes to be decorated with Sadeli mosaic of rosewood or ebony, incised to give further definition to the decoration, directly inlaid into the wood. The shape of the early boxes was either sloping at the front with a flatter section at the back, reminiscent of English writing slopes, or rectangular. Artisans inlaid the borders with stylized floral scrolls and the centers with a single floral motif following a circular or oval symmetrical or asymmetrical pattern. The edging was ornamental and protective, both helped protect the end grain against the weather.
Made in Vizagapatam, situated on the south east coast of India, near Madras
These exotic boxes...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Anglo Raj Hand-Carved Decorative Jewelry Box
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand-carved Anglo Raj early 20th century carved wood box richly decorated overall with arabesques and floral carving.
Hinged lid shallow relief carving with interior lined with red r...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sandalwood
Vintage Rajasthani Pietra Dura White Stone Inlay Taj Mahal India Style
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rajasthani Pietra Dura White Stone Inlay Taj Mahal India Style coaster plates.
Rajasthani inlaid stone marble decorative set of 7 small roun...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
19th Century Old Portable Chest in Wood and Iron Frames Resting on Four Feet
Located in Sofia, BG
Rare Indian coffee made of hand carved wood with metal frame. The door opens from the top and reveals the interior. Beautiful piece that could be used as a letter box or as a small jewellery cabinet...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Anglo Indian Box Handcrafted with Porcupine Quills
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Anglo-Indian quill box handcrafted and decorated with porcupine quills and bone dots.
Made in Ceylon which was the colonial name for Sri Lanka.
Category
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Anglo-indian decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Anglo-Indian decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Anglo-Indian decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Asia, South Asia, and India pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include Rajhastani, Agra, Anthony Redmile London, and Apollo Woodwoking and Metal Corp. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $11,900 while the average work can sell for $1,200.
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