Anglo-Indian Card Case w/ Ivory Panels, Sadeli Mosaic Inlay c.1850

Antiques : Anglo Indian : Sadeli Mosaic

 

Elegant small Anglo-Indian card case made in the Bombay Presidency for the British market in the mid-19th century. It is constructed of sandalwood and has ivory panels front and rear. The ivory panels are inlaid with sadeli mosaic roundels of ebony, pewter, ivory and stained ivory in the center and four roundel quadrants at the the four corners. The panels and roundels are framed by alternating bands of pewter dots and sadeli mosaic, and the whole is framed by ivory and ebony stringing. The top, bottom and sides have sadeli mosaic throughout bordered by the same ivory and ebony stringing. The card case measures 3.25" by 2.3" by .5".

Both ivory panels have noticeable age lines, typical in these pieces, and there is evidence of tiny repairs in a couple of spots where the top and bottom of the card case come together. Otherwise, the mosaic is intact and exquisite. Because the case is small, the mosaic work is extremely intricate and fine.

Item ID: H-000025