Anglo-Indian Decorative Objects

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...

This large and charming vintage brass, perhaps bronze, patinated elephant stands with it's trunk raised and tusks outstretched. It is signed "La Puce" which translates to the flea in...

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...

Anglo Indian rectangular porcupine quill, bone and parquetry box. The box with a hinged lid that opens to reveal embossed red velvet lining and a decorated wood panel...

Presenting an absolutely fantastic 19C Anglo Ceylonese lap desk of museum quality. We can safely say that this is one of the finest lap desks we hav...

Carved Indian Colonial Hardwood Elephant Drinks Table or Stool India for the English Market, early to mid-20th century A charming carved Indian Colonial hardwood elephant drinks ...

A Pair of Opulent Sterling Silver-Gilt 925 Camel Incense Burners on Giltwood Stands, Circa 1900 Masterfully crafted, these pieces epitomize the grandeur and sophistication of the pe...

Vintage White Marble Open Lotus Flower Shape Large Blow Hand-Carved in India Raj MughalHandcrafted in India, you can use this lotus form bowl indoor or outdo...

Rectangular penwork decorated veneer on sandalwood box. The top with a double border centering a floral cartouche, the four sides with wide leafy borders to top and bottom. Fitted wi...

large vintage hand-carved wood white painted Asian elephant side table, plant stand. Anglo-Indian hardwood carved elephant side table, plant stand or stool with charming detail with a curled down trunk, and big ears. Great for extra seating indoors or outdoors and great accent Asian sculpture...

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...

Vintage Rajasthani Pietra Dura White Stone Inlay Taj Mahal India Style coaster plates. Rajasthani inlaid stone marble decorative set of 7 small roun...

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...

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...

This is the second and slightly smaller of two c. 1950s leather clad elephants. This charming guy is in very good original condition--he maintain...

Impressive antique Anglo Indian British colonial lidded box handcrafted in a rectangular form featuring a top with a micro marquetry medallion, co...

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

Intriguing Anglo-Indian Parrot sculpture skillfully crafted with a mosaic of ox bone fragments. This stylish bird is sporting hand-hammered silver jewelry...

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...

19th century Anglo-Indian silver bowl with a rounded melon shaped base decorated with medallions which have pictures of animals and palms, under a rim which has lovely reticulated foliage. Supported on three fish feet.

A well patinated bronze figure, representing an American Indian, wearing a draped headdress, robe and a pendant hooped earring. Signed to the plinth 'A.Tossaint 1850', and the foundr...

Presenting an absolutely gorgeous and very rare 19C Anglo Indian Vizigapatam stamp box. Made in Colonial India (the Time of the Raj) circa 1860. Prob...

Seriously monumental, custom midcentury pair of fabricated composition faux elephant tusks decorated with Egyptian style rings in faux stone. Set i...

Antique Anglo-Indian Carved Ebony Figural Elephant Inkwell Desk Stand. This is an antique Victorian colonial decorative desk ebony wood stand. Late 19...

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...

Lofty Anglo Indian hinged box handcrafted in mahogany and decorated with porcupine quills and inlaid bone dots.

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

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

Old Copper Bucket procured from Pakistan.

19C Anglo Indian solid silver perfume bottle case. Lovely 19th century Anglo-Indian solid silver perfume bottle case with profuse repousse work. Not hallmarked because it was m...

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...

Very large beautiful vintage handcrafted decorative round copper box with lid, latch and handle Delicately and intricately hand-hammered with geometric designs. Hand crafted by skill...

This antique Spode armorial plate originates from the Royal Court of Lucknow and belonged to Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, the first King of Oudh (Awadh) i...

Charming Anglo Indian box crafted in tropical hardwood. Clad in tessellated bone and hand decorated with shrubbery, tools and windows.

Large heavy handcrafted vintage wooden camel figurine covered in brass and copper with an antique distressed look. 1950s vintage solid wood carved camel sculpture with copper and bra...

A very fine pair antique Indian Bidri Ware vases of teardrop shape with linear and floral petal designs in silver overlay probably dating from the late 19th...

Large Anglo-Indian sewing box with hinged lid opening to a fitted interior and interior compartment in the lid, a lower drawer on the front provides additional storage. The box made ...

1920s Hand Painted East Indian Decorative Box. An antique Rajasthani Indian hand painted wood box, early 20th century. The box is handcrafted of wood and feature a hinged lid that can be opened and closed to access the contents inside. Hand painted colorful Indian box with lid depicting human figures and flowers. Style: Anglo Raj, Paint, Wood, Hand-Crafted Place of Origin: India. Anglo Raj Vintage Wooden Box Hand Painted Indian Chest Trinket 1920s. Large Trinket Box Folk Art Hand Painted Colorful Asian Jewellery Chest...

The brass Mughal hookah features a beautifully engraved brass base adorned with intricate floral and geometric motifs. The base is a work of art, showca...

Original Hand-Carved South Asian Antique Architectural Bracket Fragment for display Anonymous Probably India; early-to-mid 20th century Wood Approximate size: 4.2 x 3.8 x 12 in. A...

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

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...

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...

Intriguing 19th century Anglo Indian elephant and rider with a serene ambiance, having a polychrome finish now aged to perfection. Presented on a classic beveled plinth.

A white marble bowl or basin from India. Can be used as a sink (professional conversion highly recommended).

Group of three brass vases Probably, Tanjore, South India 19th century The bodies of flattened, spherical form, rising to the narrowed neck and a ...

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...

The brass Mughal hookah features a beautifully engraved brass base adorned with intricate floral and geometric motifs. The base is a work of art, showca...

Nice and unusual Jewelry decorative box with filigree bone overlaid decoration. Large Anglo-Indian footed domed box with exceptional engraved bone de...

Mounted with Silver From our Sewing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Solid Coromandel Anglo Indian and Silver Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of...

Lofty pair of British colonial candlesticks featuring hand blown hurricane shades with etched floral designs on bases having bone cuffs and carved and ebonized hardwood in classic form.

Intriguing Anglo-Indian Parrot sculpture skillfully crafted with a mosaic of ox bone fragments. This stylish bird is sporting hand-hammered silver jewelry...

19th century Anglo Indian papier mache and painted wood pull toy, a striped yellow tiger on wheels.

Impressive antique Anglo Indian British colonial lidded box handcrafted in a rectangular form featuring a top with a micro marquetry medallion, co...

Standout exotic Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in mahogany and clad in tortoise shell with applied lacy bone designs inscribed and painted with flowers. The interior has a mirro...

19th Century pair Anglo-Indian carved rosewood elephant statues with bone inlay. The pair are hand carved and profusely inlaid throughout with intric...

Anglo Raj inlaid marble pietra dura decorative box with lid. Handmade marble decorative lidded box inlaid with semi precious stones, jasper and carnelian for orange. It is the same craft that you see in the Taj Mahal. Very nice fine pietra dura art...

An exquisite 19th century luxury sailor's box in sandalwood with dramatically contrasting bone and ebony geometric decoration and string inlay having raised center tier with sliding ...

19th century Anglo-Indian sandal wood box, Sadeli mosaic box fitted with various compartments finely hand-carved with the Taj Mahal. Of sarcophagus form ...

Impressive Anglo Indian rectangular hinged box handcrafted in rosewood with inlaid bone and ebony in geometric designs and plenty of decorative appeal.

Inspired vintage Anglo Indian hinged box crafted in mahogany and clad in a faux tortoise laminate.

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...

Maria Poveka (1887-1980) Native Clay with Traditional San Ildefonso Black Slip. Polished to a Medium High Finish. Signed Maria Poveka, pot dates to the 19...

Large Vintage Fiberglass Kuan Shih Yin Buddha Relief Round Wall Art Sculpture. item featured is a large impressive form, remarkable details, small cub...