Bone Decorative Boxes

Silver and Tortoiseshell jewellery box in the shape of a heart with floral decoration on the lid, silver laces linking the silver parts to th...

A spectacular and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XIV st. Boulle Boîte à Bijoux, signed "Tahan - Fournisseur du Roi" (Royal cabinetmake...

Antique Pair of Japanese Carved Netsukes "Dragon Turtles", depicting two turtles with turtle bodies but dragon heads. This item is 1.35" wide x 1.75" deep x 1" high in dimension, fr...

Antique Japanese Carved Okimono Mixed Material and Polychrome Figure Group Mother & Son, Meiji Period This item is 2" wide x1 5/8" deep x 6" high in dimension, from the late 19th c...

Antique Japanese Carved Okimono Mixed Material Figure "Happy Buddha on Stand", Meiji Period This item is 2" wide x1.5" deep x 5" high in dimension, the wood stand measures 3" W x 2...

Netsuke Japanese Hand-Carved Mixed Material Figure, A Goose Biting a Fish-Signed by Tomotada from the Meiji period. Ric.NA007 This item is 2" wide x 1" deep x 0.75" high in dimensio...

Shepherd box. Carved horn. Spain, 1822. Rectangular box made of carved horn that has a date (1822) engraved on the lid and front, a legend (Soi de Manuel Zulueta year 1822) and an...

Japanese Carved Netsuke Mixed Material Figure Group, Signed by Tomoaki, Meiji period. Ric.NA005 A truly hand-carved ivory figure group, depicting a ghostbuster holding a sword, and ...

Netsuke Japanese Hand-Carved Mixed Material Figure, Signed by Matsuyoshi, from the Meiji period. Ric.NA003 A truly hand-carved mixed material figure, A Wise Man Holding a Rope, shows...

Netsuke Japanese Hand-Carved Mixed Material Figure, Signed by Yoshitomo from the Meiji period. Ric.NA004 A truly hand-carved ivory figure, An old man holding a straw and soaking som...

Japan, Meiji Period, a finely carved floral and stained sculpture sits on a vase with outstanding detail in s supper elegant aperience. This caving style was trendy in Japan in the M...

Netsuke Japanese Hand-Carved Mixed Material Figure, A Wise Man Holding a Treasure-Signed by Shozan from the Meiji period. Ric.NA006 A truly hand-carved ivory figure, A Wise Man Hold...

Japan, Meiji Period, a finely carved figurine with outstanding detail of a Goose and its Seller. The man is carrying a goose on his right shoulder with a basket on the waist on the w...

Japan, Meiji Period, a finely carved figurine with outstanding detail of a fisherman and his kid. The man has a peddle on his right and a fisher on his left hand. The kid also has a ...

19th century English dresser box made from exquisitely grained rosewood. The box has wonderfully inlaid patterns on the top and front in ivory, along with the beaded ivory trim. Th...

Oval box in ivory decorated with guinea fowl in the reeds. Very detailed and realistic. Hand carved, highly skilled craftsmanship.

Small Rectangular Leather Jewelry Box on small brass balls with diamond pattern.

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...

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...

This is a remarkable 19th century lacquered sewing box with multiple compartments on the interior. The exterior is decorated in elaborate black and gilded motifs including flowers, f...

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 ...

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...

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.

Tortoiseshell box in the shape of a small book, with silver hinges and locks. A small silver round inlaid piece is attached to the bound edge of the book, not yet engraved. The pict...

Small Silver and Tortoiseshell jewellery box, with the top of the lid and the bottom of the box being tortoiseshell. The edges of the box is ...

Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several section...

An extraordinary vintage Boho writing desk in a box. Chic Burl wood construction with gorgeous inlay detail. An interior writing desk to hold your papers and writing utensils. Acquir...

Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several section...

Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several section...

Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several section...

Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several section...

Snuffbox with music made in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a sectional comb. The comb is thus composed of several section...

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.

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY Regency Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy from the 1st quarter of the 19th century. It has a sarcophagus form with hinged cover opening to disclose t...

This extremely rare, early Swiss automaton singing bird box by the famed Charles Bruguier is housed in a case enveloped in luxurious tortoiseshell. Ev...

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...

English Georgian serpentine tortoise shell and mother of pearl hinged tea caddy with four flanking inlaid corner columns, central escutcheon, bone fitted interior border with two lidded tortoiseshell foil lined compartments, and resting on the original four bone ball...

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...

Beautiful inlaid micro mosaic writing box. Missing parts, see photos. Bone Ebony Mosaic tiles probably.

19th Century Moorish Tortoiseshell and Bone Trinket Box, Lined with Blue Velvet. Ideal for jewellery or keepsakes or just as a decorative desk item.

An Antique English blonde tortoiseshell card holder with locking hinge. Monogrammed to silver plaque.

English Georgian Chinroserie bow front tortoise shell tea caddy with a hinged tiered lid, Chinese landscape mother of pearl inlays with flanking pagodas, fences, & foliage trees, central paktong plaque and escutcheon, bone fitted interior border with two lidded tortoiseshell foil lined compartments, and resting on the original four bone ball...

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! ...

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...

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...

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...

Very nice French Napoleon III "Boulle" marquetry, tortoiseshell, nacre and gilded brass decorative gloves box. Restored by a cabinetmaker.

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...

An Antique English blonde tortoiseshell card holder with locking hinge. Please view all photographs for damage.

An Antique English blonde tortoiseshell card holder with locking hinge. Please view all photographs for damage.

A fine quality and handsome George IV/Regency inlaid rosewood dressing box, with the original sterling silver and glass fitted contents, London, 1824. The box having a lift-up hinged lid, finely inlaid with brass and bone marquetry of floral garlands & swags, the front having twin locking doors with corresponding inlay. Both the top, base and door panels have 'Dutch Ripple' molding and at each corner a hand-turned 'Barley Twist' column, both to the front and rear. The interior of the box also having inlaid satinwood stringing and three fitted compartments each with an etched crystal container...

English tortoise case. Chic tortoise business cards case with side panel button for flip-top. Rich tortoise colour and polish. England, late 19th century. Dimensions: 4" H x 2.88" W...

Great condition for its age. No major losses or damage. Has original sewing pieces inside.

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...

A very charming Swedish Snuff Box made in Cow Horn during the 19th century. Wear consistent with age and use.

Nice condition for its age. Does not have key. Has original sewing box utensils inside - spools, etc.

A very attractive tortoiseshell box with silver, on ivory ball feet. English hallmarks on sterling, circa 1880s. The interior has two compartments.

A French Tortoiseshell and gold inlaid purse with red silk inner lining. A very pretty and unusual item, the tortoiseshell in very good condition.