SOLD Anglo-Indian Stationary Box w/ Sadeli Mosaic, Tumbling Block Design, c.1850

Antiques : Anglo Indian : Sadeli Mosaic

 

Extremely beautiful and highly unusual Anglo-Indian stationary box made in the Bombay Presidency for the British market in the mid-19th century. It is constructed of solid sandalwood and decorated with a dazzling variety of sadeli mosaic designs, including a tumbling block pattern in the center of the lid reminiscent of the famous Tunbridge Ware design. The sadeli mosaic includes ivory, ebony, sandalwood, pewter, and stained ivory. The sections of the box are framed in ebony and ivory rope inlay.

The inside of the box is divided for stationary items with sandalwood dividers that are topped with ebony and ivory stringing. The underside of the lid features a sunburst roundel insert. The hinges and lock are original and in silver. The lock works, but there is no key. The largest dimensions are at the back of the box, where It measures 8.7” from side to side, and 5.3” from top to bottom. The smallest dimensions are at the front where it measures 4 2” from side to side by 2.8” from top to bottom. Measuring at the underside of the box, it is 5.3” from the back of the box to the front.

The box is in splendid condition. There is no loss of sadeli, and no warping or lifting. The lid sits true, and opens easily. There are no issues at the hinges. Inside the box, there is a crack side to side along a significant portion of the rear (largest) divider, and a very thin crack at the underside of the box that does not extend to the base of the interior. There is a slight pencil mark to the underside of the lid near the roundel.

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Item ID: H-000067