Indian Decorative Objects

Anglo-Indian Mother of Pearl Inlaid jewelry Box. 1940s Victorian Anglo Indian box in silver, bone and mother of pearl Inlaid. An elegant Anglo Indian bon...

Striking pair of tessellated bone decorative boxes having wonderful unusual shape, black ink embellishments with birds and foliage against creamy beige and white background. Lids co...

Tealight Holders Elephant Set of Two with aluminium in brass vintage finish and with clear glass. Candles not included. Dimensions: L30.5xD24xH64cm each. Set of Two: 1750,00€. Unit...

Architectural India is a collection built on the Natural & Modern landscape of India. Each J'Jute style signifies a piece of the architects, Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeannette's modern ...

A large early 1900s wooden Mogul standing figure with extended arm, from India. This wooden Mogul figure, originating from early 20th-century India, is a remarkable piece of artistry...

Pair of French wall sconces crafted with metal palm trees with coconuts on two brass arms with floral motifs, bobeches and candle cups on metal wings. Please contact for a wiring qu...

Inspired by the elegant pierced marble floral Jali pattern, solid blocks of marble are hollowed out and hand carved into this intricate umbrella stand through which light and air pas...

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...

Stunning large-scale papier mâché vase of elegant form with beautiful hand painted an lacquered red and black abstract floral decoration. Mid-20t...

A beautifully designed early fireworks or flare cannon in tiger form. A small hole is drilled at the top rear of the cannon for the wick. In India, firecrackers and fireworks are tr...

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...

This striking Green Apophyllite on Stilbite specimen from India showcases a brilliant, glassy cluster of sharply terminated Apophyllite crystals poised atop a bed of soft, peach-crea...

This dazzling Green Apophyllite specimen blooms like a crystal disco ball—its clustered cubic formations radiating brilliance with every angle of light. The vivid mint-green core is ...

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...

Shiva is one of the main gods of Hinduism. In Shivism, he is considered to the believers as the most important manifestation of the Supreme. As part of the "Houtuistic Trinity" (Trim...

- Clock are in lovely working conditon - Somewhere missing color - Clock is including key.

A set of thirteen printing block fragments from the mid 20th century. One larger block and a collection of a dozen complementary smaller blocks. Small b...

Each of those original brass tea light holders is handmade individually. Cast and textured using very traditional techniques, they are polished...

Charming and elegant bronze Indian decorative bowls, vide-poche. The pieces are entirely handcrafted with great skills and talent. Cast using very traditional techniques, the inside...

Cavansite on Stilbite with Stilbite from Wagholi Quarry, Maharashtra, India. Lustrous spherical aggregates of vibrant royal blue cavansite crystals lined up across a bed of quartz m...

Antique Hindu Buddah sculpture in bronze. The piece is made in bronze, in some areas shows verdigris patina. Measurements: 14.25 inches high x 10 ...

Museum quality, rare undulating formation of a gemmy transparent amethyst cluster with a cluster of spherical purple fluorite. These amethyst crystals ...

Naturally formed mineral, clear apophyllite sculpture India Measures: 11 x 8 x 4 in. / 28 x 20 x 10 cm Height on custom display stand: 14 in. / 36 cm Custom mounted on a ...

India, circa 1880 A nineteenth century solid bronze Indian elephant mounted by a Mahout carrying one passenger in a traditional howdah carriage, incised with decoration throughout a...

Vintage White Elephant Figurine Pen Holder, Jaipur, Rajasthan India. White Elephant Figurine with Wooden Base. Elegant cast composite vintage sculpture Figurine that show a white elephant with his trunk up presented on a wooden stand and next to it a brass pen. The representation of elephant in Asia represent wisdom, longevity and white is for peace. White elephant on stand...

Pair of brass mouse form decorative objects. Etched design detail. Signed made in India. Dimensions are of each individual item.

Unique and exquisite bronze cast leaf bowl. Handmade using highly skilled and specialised traditional processes to create an original and sumptuous piece. Slight variations in the p...

Beautiful silvered metal box of an elephant in a very traditional Anglo -Indian craft, art. Has an amazing age patina in contrast with the inside, as shown.

An Indian antique box from the 19th century with metal sheathing and bracketed base. Created in India during the 19th century, this antique box features a linear silhouette made of m...

An Indo- Portuguese brass-mounted hardwood and Indian Wood marquetry cabinet, Goa. Gorgeously made with hand-cut hardwood and the finest quality of othe...

An elegantly defined brass vintage pricket from India used to host candles. The pricket is centered on a slightly raised circular base with the edges sli...

A large brass pandan box North India, 19th century The body with rounded profile and hinged raised lid with engraved and punched decoration centering ...

Large rectangular geometric patterned wood and white bone inlaid serving tray. Made of wood and then tessellated with dozen of sustainably sourced...

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...

Collection of 19th century Kashmiri items A highly decorative collection of 19th Century hand crafted Kashmiri objects including 6 different shaped boxes, a working lamp and urn....

These granite river stones are depictions of the Lingam, symbolizing the Hindu god Shiva in Shaivism. They are considered to be emblems of generative and destructive power. While roo...

Each of these splendid bronze leaves is handmade individually with incredible detail. Cast using very traditional techniques, they are polished capturing the raw finish of this noble...

From Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India Lustrous cream colored translucent pale orange-brown stilbite bowtie crystal. The stilbite crystals are translucent with lustrous crystal fa...

A vintage solid brass cachepot or jardiniére probably from the 1970’s. The piece stands approximately 9 1/2 inches tall, 9 3/4 inches wide and 9 3/4 inches deep. There are no maker ...

Powellite Crystal on Stilbite From Jalgaon, Maharashtra State, India. Huge pyramidal crystal of translucent brown powellite with lustrous striated fac...

19th century Anglo-Indian Mughal wood box, inlaid and hand carved with the Taj Mahal and some flowers all around. Jewelry box, Anglo-Raj box from India in great condition. Nice Mughal Bombay Box...

Sculpture Cayman Bronzed all in solid brass with highlight bronzed finish.

Exceptionally large pair of Kashimiri Indo-Persian lacquered copper vases. The metal hand hammered designs is so fine that you need to get very close ...

A stunning and substantial decorative box in the Mid-Century Italian style, carved from solid white marble and featuring a bold chevron inlay in vibrant green malachite. The crisp ge...

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...

This is an antique decorative desk stand. An Indian, ebony Colonial writer's tidy, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Striking dark tonality with eye-catching Colon...

Antique 18th 19th Century Palanquin Mythical Lion or Tiger Finial Bronze Handle. Large heavy Indian Mythological bronze palanquin fitting cast via the lost wax technique, beautifully stylized and crafted in the form of protective mythological creature. Palanquin finials were used to adorn the pole ends of the palanquin or palki. A fine and massive example of a palanquin pole finial with good detail and fine patina. India, circa: 18th/19thc. The Palanquin handle...

Large Asian Burmese brass ceremonial bowl with silver and copper inlaid with the ten Hindu Avatars of Vishnu. Fine example of Tanjore work, this brass bowl that has been overlaid with alternating copper and silver chased plaques, with high quality in detail executed in mixed metal repoussé with contrasting patination, showing Hindu deities. The base is engraved with a lotus flower motif. (This type of work is known as Tanjore work, after the south Indian city where much of this work was executed.) The depictions on the main plaques are believed to relate to those seen carved in relief on rock on the façade off the Great Temple (Brihadisvara) in Tanjore. A southern Indian magnificent silver and copper inlaid vase, 19th century Tapered and chased body made of copper inlaid with beaded bands and with the ten avatars of Vishnu: 1. Matsya (the fish) 2. Koorma (the tortoise) 3. Varaha (the boar) 4. Narasimha (the human-lion – shown on this bowl as a lion-man figure about to devour a human victim.) 5. Vamana (the dwarf) 6. Parasurama (the angry man – presented on this bowl as a figure with an axe, a bow and an arrow.) 7. Rama (the perfect man, king of Ayodha) 8. Krishna (the divine statesman – shown here as Krishna on a cobra throne...

Charming pair of hand painted leather giraffe sculptures featuring a geometric pattern body and life like heads. Beautifully hand-crafted with expressi...

Pair of Antique Anglo-Indian etched and polychrome brass peacock figures. Stunning pair of Anglo-Indian etched and polychrome brass peacock figures or sculptures. These beautiful pe...

Vintage solid brass planter / jardinière manufactured by Mottahedeh Design, made in India. The impressive jardiniere is a commanding size with a rams head on each side. The planter m...

Antique 19th Century Indian Kutch (Cutch) solid silver scent bottle, of a round, globular form, impressively heavy gauge and exceptionally fine workmanship, decorated with a lion sta...

Fine Cloisonné Enamel Sterling Silver Pill Box, India, circa 1970 A finely crafted kidney-shaped sterling silver pill box, delicately enamelled throughout in vibrant shades of cobal...

A hand carved Indian temple carving from Gujarat from the early 20th century, depicting a Hindu deity. Born in the Western portion of India in th...

From Nasik District, Maharashtra, India Large lustrous cluster of an acicular sprays of scolectite crystals on pink stilbite. The scolecite crystals have glassy crystal faces and ar...

Beautiful hand-crafted polished brass footed box with with lid, latch and handle intricately hand-hammered with geometric designs and pierced with holes. Vintage pierced decorative Mughal Indian style brass box from India...

Antique 19th Century Indian Kutch solid silver cigarette case of heavy gauge, featuring intricate floral repoussé work on a matted background. The rectangular case has engraved edges...

This box is wonderful. Colors are great orange, green, and gold. From Kashmir, India circa 1915 maybe earlier.

A set of ten smooth, weighty Shiva Linga river stones, each with naturally banded surfaces in earth tones of brown, taupe, russet, and olive. With their di...

Decorative jewelry box in tessellated exotic tigers eye with velvet interior.