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South Asian Decorative Objects

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Place of Origin: South Asian
Hand-Carved Green Aventurine Bowl – A Touch of Elegance & Luck
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 6-inch Green Aventurine bowl is hand-carved and polished by skilled artisans in India, following a centuries-old tradition of stone craftsmanship. Aventurine, a variety...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Antique Hand-Painted Indian Bowl
Located in Yonkers, NY
Antique hand-painted Indian bowl, papier mâché.
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Pair 19th Century or Older Century Indian Carved Stone Lions on Custom Bases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 19th Century or Older Indian Carved Stone Lions on Custom Wooden Bases 4 Pieces, Stone Lions, 2 Custom Hardwood Bases A charming and unusual pair of 19th-century or older ha...
Category

19th Century Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Silver Panther Paperweight on a Black Marble Ball by Mary Jurek Design
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A Silver Panther Paperweight on a Black Marble Ball By: Mary Jurek Design Inc. Mary Jurek Panther Paperweight Marble Ball and Chrome. Designed as a p...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Metal

Dutch-Colonial Satin and Rosewood, Ebony and Teak Collectors’ Table-Cabinet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A charming satin and rosewood, ebony and teak collectors’ table-cabinet Sri Lanka, second half of the 18th century Measures: H. 86.5 x W. 62.5 x D. 34.7 cm In the top of the shaped cornice, there is a carving of a butterfly or moth. Under the cornice two panelled doors with scorched chequered motif, and under the doors one long drawer. When the doors are locked, so is the drawer. Behind the two doors, there are eight drawers, suitable to store small collectors’ items, such as a coin collection, or mineral specimens, small shells, collections of animal teeth, etc. The 17th and 18th centuries saw a wide-spread interest in exotic cultures and collecting of botanical, zoological and geological specimens...
Category

18th Century Dutch Colonial Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony, Teak, Satinwood

Large Scale Mid Century Carved Sculptural Wooden Shelf Art on Heavy Steel Base
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An impressive large scale sculptural wooden shelf art with good form and a beautiful rich warm dark wood colour tone. These would have been originally carv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Minimalist South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Amber Trinket Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautifully decorated Indian metal box with a stone of amber on the top. 1920s or earlier There once was a fabric inside but it has disintegrated you can see it, all of the fibers ...
Category

1920s Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Metal

Scolecite with Stilbite From Nasik District, Maharashtra, India (1.4 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
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 are...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Other

Antique Hand Carved Wood Printing Block in Dark Rosette Pattern
Located in Amityville, NY
Amazing antique expertly hand-carved wood block that has been used in printing production, now stained a dark reddish brown color from ink that appears to have been red. This now rus...
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Kashmiri Indo-Persian Lacquered Metal Copper Vases
Located in North Hollywood, CA
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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Moorish South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Stilbite Flower From Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India
Located in New York, NY
From Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India Lustrous cream colored translucent pale orange-brown stilbite bowtie crystal. The stilbite crystals are translucent with lustrous crystal fa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Other

Large 19th Century Sandalwood Jewellery Box, South India
Located in London, GB
The dense carving of this 19th century South Indian sandalwood jewellery box is so lively and animated.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandalwood

Green Apophylite and Stilbite from Pune District, Maharashtra, India
Located in New York, NY
From Lonavala Quarry, Pune District, Maharashtra, India Lustrous transparent-to-translucent large green apophyllite crystals with translucent pink-orange stilbite with scolecite cry...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal

White Marble Basin/Bowl
Located in New York, NY
A white marble bowl or basin from India. Can be used as a sink (professional conversion highly recommended).
Category

1980s Anglo-Indian Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

White Marble Basin/Bowl
White Marble Basin/Bowl
$1,025 Sale Price
45% Off
Pelotas Decor Objects by Studio Indigene
Located in Geneve, CH
Pelotas Decor Objects by Studio Indigene Dimensions: D 10.16 x W 7.62 x H 15.24 cm D 11.43 x W 8.89 x H 22.86 cm Materials: Reclaimed Teak Wood. Colors Brown, Natural Wooden Finish....
Category

2010s Post-Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Oval Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
By Matthew Williamson, Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his bold use of colour and nature-inspired motifs, has created a tabletop and textile collection with Les Ottomans. This colla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Pair of Anglo Indian Obelisks
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of Anglo Indian obelisks with classic form crafted in mahogany and with silver plate bases with floral designs and ball feet. Signed on the bottom S P 2001.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany

Labradorite Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Labradorite semiprecious stone box with hinged lid. Labradorite displays an iridescent optical effect (or schiller) known as labradorescence. La...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Grand Tour South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Brass

Moorish Bohemian Decorative Gilt Porcelain Flask with Lid
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moorish decorative gilt porcelain flask with lid. The bottle is shaped into soft ripples and given a radiant gold finish. Nice decorative object with a lid in the shape of a Moorish ...
Category

20th Century Moorish South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Portuguese Church Plaque Adorned with Rays and Dove at Center
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully hand carved and painted wood Portuguese church fixture from the early 20th century. This antique panel, which originally decorated a Portu...
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Fluorite on Quartz var. Amethyst from Tekhdi, Madhya Pradesh, India
Located in New York, NY
Fluorite (rare botryoidal form) on Quartz var. Amethyst from Tekhdi, Madhya Pradesh, India. Large cluster of translucent yellow-brown fluorite botryoidal crystals. The fluorite inte...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Other

Pair of Mid-Century Brass Urns
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Mid-Century palatial Indian brass urns or stands with Classic form and a brilliant combination of engraving and enamel, in the champlevé manne...
Category

20th Century Moorish South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Silver Anglo-Indian Bowl with Eight Figures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Handmade silver Anglo-Indian bowl with eight figures each featuring a different pose. Ornate engraved peacock on the bottom of bowl.
Category

Late 19th Century Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse Measures:100cmx23cm H117cm Material:Wood Wear Consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Folk Art South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Indian Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Printing Block
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Indian wooden printing block mounted as Art. Wood block print used to hand print textile. Hand chiseled by specialized ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Anglo Raj South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Architectural Wooden Sculpture original Green-Turquoise Paint India 18th Century
Located in Salzburg, AT
Architectural portal sculpture made of solid teak with original green-turquoise coloring, India, last third of the 18th century. As the name suggests, the object originates from an ...
Category

1780s Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large Ruby Single Crystal From India
Located in New York, NY
Discover the raw beauty and regal allure of this single ruby crystal featuring a natural termination and one end-cut side and sourced directly from the legendary gem-bearing soils of...
Category

2010s South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Precious Stone

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 Anglo Raj South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Grish Chunder Dutt 1880s Indian Silver Tea Caddy
By Grish Chunder Dutt
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Indian silver tea caddy, an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antiqu...
Category

1880s Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Anglo Indian Cast Brass Elephant with Enamel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Anglo Indian cast brass elephant captured in mid strut and decorated with red and yellow enamel.
Category

Mid-20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Bhutanese Burl Dhapa Bowl
Located in Savannah, GA
A Bhutanese turned brul dhapa bowl, made by a Bhutanese artisan in the mid-20th century. 7 ½ inches wide 3 ¾ inches tall
Category

Mid-20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Mid 20th Century Black Marble Vase
Located in New York, NY
A black marble vase, hand-carved in India, circa 1960. 18 inches tall, 7.5 inches diameter. Fluted neck. Clean, simple, elegant lines. Very smooth marble, with no large veining. ...
Category

1960s Anglo-Indian Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Cream Large Round Lidded Bone Box, India, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Indian large round lidded bone box. Small round handle on top of the lid. Indented band shape in the middle of the body of the box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone

Pair of Tall Anglo-Indian Vases in Turned Rosewood with Bone Tops
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of tall and impressive Anglo-Indian turned rosewood vases with bone tops and incised circular ornamentation. Wonderful height with beautiful turni...
Category

Early 20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Indo Peersian Cast Bronze Vase
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique bronze vase with animal, vegetal and alphabetic decoration "urdu" (not specified period).
Category

Mid-19th Century Tribal Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Anglo Indian Metal Cat Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical silvered metal feline handcrafted with a folky charm that is hammered and etched in a decorated floral design that unexpectedly opens as a trinket box.
Category

Early 20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Nettur Petti jewellery box, Dowry box, India, 19th century
Located in Gorssel, GE
Nettur Petti jewellery box, Dowry box, 19th century (possibly older) With piramid shaped lid. These boxes were inspired by the temple architecture of Kera...
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Brass Figural Mouse Objet D’art, a Pair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of brass mouse form decorative objects. Etched design detail. Signed made in India. Dimensions are of each individual item.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Green Apophyllite and Stilbite with Calcite
Located in New York, NY
This museum quality combination specimen out of India is a true natural sculptural art piece, featuring a 3-1/2" long perfectly terminated perfectly formed apophyllite crystal with b...
Category

2010s South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Marble Flower Plate / Vide Poche from India, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A hand carved marble plate from India, shaped as a Lotus flower, circa 1960. The natural inclusions in the stone confer this piece a singular iridescent shine. Ideal as an accent for...
Category

1960s Anglo-Indian Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Schorl Tourmaline with Aquamarine, Pakistan
Located in New York, NY
SCHORL TOURMALINE WITH AQUAMARINE Shengus, Roundu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan 19.2 cm tall x 6.2 cm wide Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Vintage Indian Silver Elephant Table Ornament
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Indian silver table ornament of an elephant; part of our ornamental silverware collection This exceptional vintage Indian silver ornament has been realistically modelled in the form of an elephant. This vintage silver elephant ornament has been embellished with chased details reproducing the fine definition of the elephant's skin and anatomical features. The model is further ornamented with caparison ornamented with scenes depicting a rural setting with iconic wild, indigenous animals. This fabric effect covering is further embellished with a stylised floral motif decorated border and features two-dimensional tassels to the terminals. The silver elephant figure is ornamented with further floral and bead motifs to the head and back, in addition to a scalloped border to the underside of the elevated trunk. Condition This vintage Indian silver elephant...
Category

1950s Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Antique Anglo Indian Elephant Ebony Wood Hand Carved Sculpture on Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Ebony Wood Hand Carved Anglo Indian Elephant Sculpture on Stand. Precious black ebonized hand carved wood Anglo-Indian elephant sculp...
Category

Early 20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Stag Antler Horn Slope Top Writing Desk c 1800s
Located in Chicago, IL
Stag Antler Table Top Desk Secretary or rather as described by a British expert: an Anglo-Indian Stag Antler Writing Slope Table Top Desk, late 19th century from Vizagapatam, which was the headquarters of the Vizagapatam District of Madras during the British period. Stag Antler anything is rare and unusual today, especially when it is completely covered in carved strips of Natural unpolished Antler. Finding Stag Antler Writing Desks are beyond rare and in our 30-years in the Antique business...
Category

1870s Black Forest Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Antler, Leather, Sandalwood

Melting Wax Tea Light in Marble and Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
These marble and cast bronze translucent stone tea lights simulate the flow of wax. Sold individually.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Ramé Sage Green Wall Sculpture by NITUSH AROOSH
Located in Geneve, CH
Ramé Sage Green Wall Sculpture by NITUSH AROOSH Dimensions: Ø 100 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. Available in different finishes. All our lamps...
Category

2010s Post-Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Early 20th Century Tribal Large Sculptural Wooden Mortar from Nagaland, India
Located in Uxbridge, GB
A unique and rare piece of cultural history, these Large Rice Mortars hails from the tribal areas of Nagaland, India, dating back to the early twentieth century. Handcrafted from hol...
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Hand-Engraved Indian Brass Jardinière or Cachepot, Circa 1880
Located in Worcester, GB
Hand-Engraved Indian Brass Jardinière or Cachepot, Circa 1880 An elegant late 19th century Indian brass jardinière or cachepot of circular form, profusely decorated with finely hand-...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Weathered Wooden Chariot Wheel Sculpture, India, 1920s
Located in New York, NY
19th century India large wooded wheel from a chariot. From the state of Nagaland, India. Beautiful natural weathered patina. Mounted on stand measuring 16" x 8". Wheel measures 24" d...
Category

1920s Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

18th c. Coromandel Travel Writing Slope
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine 18th century Indian Macassar Ebony traveling writing box with Tutenag metal hardware, the vividly grained case with rare alloy trim, the rectangular form opening to make a ...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Hand-Carved 19th C. Fragments from India
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of 19th century Hindu temple fragments. This pair of antique fragments were elements of a section of hand-carved wood frieze, within a...
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Splendid Indo-Portuguese Colonial Sculpture of Nagini from Goa, 17th Century
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A fine Indo-Portuguese inlaid teak wood figure of Nagini India, Goa, 17th century Measure: H. 55 cm (with stand, and with ring for wall hanging) The sculpture can be perceived as such but probably is one of four legs of an Indo-Portuguese contador...
Category

17th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak, Ebony

Kashmiri Mughal Bird Copper Ewer, Mid 19th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
This exquisite piece of art seamlessly combines the intricate aesthetics of Mughal design with the skilled craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans, resulting in a stunning and unique creation. The copper ewer takes the form of a bird, with its body forming the main body of the vessel and its neck serving as the spout. The bird's wings, tail feathers, and even subtle details like beak and eyes are meticulously rendered, showcasing the artisan's attention to detail. The entire form of the ewer is fluid and elegant, capturing the essence of avian grace. The surface of the copper ewer is adorned with elaborate Mughal-inspired engravings and embellishments. Floral patterns, intricate vines, and delicate geometric designs cover the bird-shaped body, creating a visually rich tapestry of artistry. The Mughal influence is evident in the precision of the decorative elements, reflecting the era's emphasis on fine craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication. The handle of the ewer, perhaps formed as a continuation of the bird's body or as a separate element, is designed for both functionality and artistic harmony. It complements the overall form, allowing for easy pouring while maintaining the cohesive avian aesthetic. Such a Bird-shaped Kashmiri Mughal Copper...
Category

19th Century Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Mughal, Style Indian Dagger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mughal - style Indian dagger. Made with rock crystal and inlaid gold. United Kingdom, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Other Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal

The Taj Mahal Black Marble Box with in Shell Inlaid Agra India 1950's
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 1950's Agra Indian Shell and Black Marble Box with The Taj Mahal Inlays.Onyx Black Marble Box with Pietra Dura Intricate Abalone Inlay of the Taj Mahal.Fine Quality Shell Inlaid Taj Mahal Box.Black marble trinket box with an inlaid image of the Taj Mahal. This unusual piece has the details drawn on the white shell in black ink, giving it the appearance of a micro mosaic. The surface catches the light and shows some iridescence at different angles.The Anglo Indian style box is lined with black velvet.A Very fine intricate work of Islamic Art.From Agra, India. Circa 1950's.Great gift to express your Love.From a Private Estate Encino Collection. DIMENSIONS: Height: 1.75 in.Width: 3.75 in.Depth: 2.75 in.About the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument located in Agra, India. It is considered one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's some information about the Taj Mahal: 1) History: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. 2) Architecture: The Taj Mahal combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It is primarily made of white marble, with intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones. The central structure is a large dome surrounded by four minarets at each corner. 3) Symbolism: The Taj Mahal is often regarded as a symbol of love. It was built as a testament to Emperor Shah Jahan's eternal love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens and reflecting pool in front of the Taj Mahal add to its romantic ambiance. 4) Location: The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of India's capital, New Delhi. 5) Visitors: The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is open to the public, except on Fridays when it is reserved for Islamic prayers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Islamic South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Marble Folded Rim Bowl, India, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary bowl with folded rim resembling a pie crust. Very unique design. Available in three sizes (S4046x and S4046Z ).
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Vintage Boho Monumental Hammered Brass Rings Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your home decor with this stunning vintage hammered brass urn, a timeless piece that exudes elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a monumental design, this urn showcases a be...
Category

Late 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Ancient Indian Cart Wheel Mounted on Custom Black Lacquered Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
An ancient Indian cart wheel mounted on custom black lacquered base. An exquisite testament to Indian antiquity, this cart wheel is a captivating embodi...
Category

19th Century Rustic Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Large Copper and Brass Decorative Elephant Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Brass and copper ornamental Elephant sculpture.
Category

20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Teak Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised teak 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 Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Sandalwood, Teak

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