Bone Decorative Objects

English Victorian silver-plate magnifying glass with a boar's tooth handle (silver marking/chip to glass)

PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved teak wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosaic, 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...

A very attractive vintage inlaid rosewood Indian jewelry box. The hinged box made is from solid figured rosewood and finely and is sumptuously inla...

Spanish, 18th century or earlier. An 18th century Spanish bargueno or vargueno traveling desk, used for storing documents, jewels, or sewing box. The six drawer chest is inset with ...

Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century This beautiful powder flask, crafted from natural horn, features numero...

English black lacquered and gilt stenciled figural pagoda hinged tea box with exterior gilt stenciled dragon motif, original interior pewter hand chased figural container with bone k...

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...

A wonderful ottoman, stool or sculpture in the style of French sheep. The sculpture is covered in real long hair fur, real horn or antlers and a hide covered face. The hoof feet are black painted wood. A stunning conversation piece that works as a sculpture or is easily used as an ottoman, or pull-up stool. The piece is wonderful and with its unique qualities makes it a complement to any space, and also works beautifully in a Childs room or Baby nursery...

Unusual pagoda form caddy finely figured veneers. Interior lids are original and match the exterior of the caddy, resting on brass ball feet

The tooth of an adult Tyrannosaurus Rex, dating to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 67 million years old. This large beautifully preserved specimen has a rich brown enamel, ...

We are pleased to offer for sale an elegant antique frame dating back to around the 1950s, crafted in tortoiseshell and soft dark rust-colored velvet. In this mid-20th century piece...

19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

A rare and highly unusual collection of eight Scottish horn snuff mulls, assembled over many years by a dedicated enthusiast. Examples of this quality and variety are seldom encounte...

Antique Lusterweibchen of a Patrician Lady, Germany 1900 A finely hand-carved and polychrome painted wooden Lüsterweibchen depicting a seated patrician lady. She wears a green long-...

Graphic patterned keepsake box clad in natural and ink blue dyed bone. Tiles are hand set on a wood box.

Lovely Folk Art wooden carved standing owlSculpture. It has bone around the eyes. Small chip on the base. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage st...

Charming petite antique Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in indigenous hardwoods clad in tortoise shell and decorated with elaborate lacy bone designs, featuring an etched and pai...

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...

.Decorate a study or formal living room with this exquisite vintage Boulle clock. Crafted in France circa 1950, the tall mantel timepiece stands on its original shaped base over bronze scrolled feet and decorative foliate mounts. The bombe-shaped case, richly inlaid with red tortoiseshell and intricate brass marquetry, features an arched pediment surmounted by a finely cast gilt bronze cherub blowing a trumpet. The ornate front showcases a gilt-bronze dial with raised floral and foliate motifs, blue and white enamel Roman numerals, and delicate hands. The glass door reveals the pendulum and inner ornamentation, including a sunburst motif centered by a mascaron face. This elegant mid-century interpretation of an 18th-century Louis XV Boulle clock...

Brummit Fir Christmas Tree Sculpture by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 132.08 x D 132.08 x H 396.24 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...

Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Working Man Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure rests on an flat irregular oval base. T...

Presenting an astonishing Japanese Antique Carved Bone Pillbox Inro, museum quality with the amazing carving skill depicting rats on the lid and body and the relief weaved basket pat...

Unusual paper weight or desk sculpture fashioned from a heavy bronze disc from which a decorative piece of old black/dark brown horn from a Yak is towering (removable). Anonymously m...

Octagonal tortoiseshell picture frame. Antique octagonal frame in beautiful condition smoothly applied with antique Sicilian tortoiseshell and original brass hook; for favourite phot...

Anglo-Indian penwork decorated veneered sandalwood glove box on turned ball feet the sides and top decorated with scrolling leaf borders and the top with a central leaf-framed cartou...

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Working Man Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure is a smiling man dressed in traditional...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

Southwestern Zuni Pueblo Katsina, circa 20th Century. The figure is carved from antler over a tripod base with cloth carving. The Mudhead Katsina, or Koyemsi (Zuni) / Tachukti (Hop...

Natural weathered fossilized Whale Vertebrae. One section / specimen. Possibly sperm whale. Likely 19th century.

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wr...

1970s Carved Horn Sailing Ship on Horn Base String and metal rods. - cork for tops Colors: Brown, White, Cream Sailing ship Nautical Handmade with real Horn bone, it has great detail...

Ptychopariida is a large, heterogeneous order of trilobite containing some of the most primitive species known. The earliest species occurred in the second half of the Lower Cambrian...

We are pleased to offer for sale a distinctive vintage smoking accessory that conceals, within a classic gold-toned aluminum box covered in brown leather, a clever and practical ciga...

A sophisticated pair of vintage faux ram horns mounted on substantial black marble plinths, offering the timeless sporting aesthetic associated with English country houses and the ic...

A circa 1930's English engraved bone box with landscapes. Measurements: Height: 6" Width: 12.5" Depth: 8.5"

19th century boulle casket-type letter box by Halstaff and Hanover. The exterior is finished with Ornate boulle inlay on all sides in gold and red. A del...

ennifer Trask creates intricate sculptures using bone, metal, resin, and antique fragments, drawing inspiration from biology, archaeology, and art history. Her work explores the tens...

1930s Art Déco chryselephantine bone and bronze mounted knight sculpture with marble base by Alexandre Kéléty, France By: Alexandre Kéléty Material: bronze, bone, marble, stone, met...

Folk art cane: The pommel is made of carved and engraved tortoiseshell depicting the head of a greyhound with eyes set with rosette-cut diamond stones, and the tongue extending betwe...

Trilobites, an early arthropod relative of spiders, horseshoe crabs, and scorpions, preserved in this level of detail only occurred as a result of very sudden underwater landslides c...

A charming and exquisitely crafted late-19th century porcelain mantel clock by the Ansonia Clock Company, titled “La Nord” and produced in collaboration with the prestigious Royal Bo...

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. Derived from stingray skin, this richly textured material first appear...

Tortoiseshell and silver heart photograph frame date London, 1897 Maker Henry John Batson & Albert Edward Batson This frame is in excellent cond...

Antler and boar tusks candle holder centerpiece This antique centerpiece candle holder is made of genuine deer antlers and Boar Tusks. It holds 5 candle...

Maitland Smith Tessellated Horn And Abalone Fish Sculpture. Offered is a large Hollywood Regency tessellated horn, abalone and brass fish sculpture by Maitland Smith. See photo for l...

Textural keepsake box clad in heat set pyrimidial horn elements. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.

16th century, Bottega degli Embriachi, Venice or Florence Little Toilet Bone and wood, 14 x 12 cm Shellac on the base This box set is a classic example of the work of the renowne...

An exceptional early nineteenth-century tortoiseshell tea caddy of fine Georgian craftsmanship, presented in fabulous condition. Rich coloration and a beautiful natural patina highli...

A beautiful Singing bird box by bontems of Paris, Circa 1900. Tortoisesheel embellished with sterling silver, with silver and enamel lid.

A wonderful Horn resting on three hand wrought pewter legs with a tip, collar and lid with hand crafted etching and details. The horn is a compliment to any shelf, console table - a...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

A fine quality antique Regency period Chinese Export Lacquer Work Sewing Box, Circa 1820. The box having a hinged lid that is sumptuously decorated with a gilded design of Imperial...

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.

Rare and Unusual Scottish Silver Mounted Snuff Box With Attached Spoon By Andrew Wilkie c1838/39. The initials on the silver mounts on the horn base match the initials on the attache...

English Georgian Tortoise shell hinged sewing box with a gadrooned molded edge lid, fitted tufted interior, and resting on the original silver plate winged paw feet. Early 19th Century

A Chinese bone snuff bottle and case. 1 ¾ inches wide by ¾ inches deep by 3 inches tall

A rare and exquisite circa 1780 English, possibly Irish, George III period bottle caddy or tabletop cellarette in the form of a two-storey ashlar Palladian mansion house, the boxwood...

The letter opener or paper knife was originally used to cut the pages of hand-printed books, where the folding of printed sheets created closed edges that required cutting the paper ...

Antique Cabin Antler Wall Clock with Deer and Chamois Austria ca. 1900 A great rustic antler wall clock. The wooden case is richly decorated with plaster applications, a plaster deer...