Anglo-Indian Game Counter Box w/ Ivory Lac Counters, Vizagapatam Region, c.1860

Antiques : Game Counters Box : Anglo Indian

 

A stunning, if flawed, horn, ivory and sandalwood games counter box, made in the Vizagapatam region of British India, c.1860, for sale to the British market. The box is a beautiful and unusual kidney shape, with a sandalwood carcass veneered in horn, and with ivory strapping, inlay and fretwork. The interior has two recessed compartments, one oblong and one circular, each of which houses 8 ivory game counters that are incised and lac filled to lovely designs. The lid "snaps" in place and is held shut by means of a catch that has a push button release; this mechanism is in fine working order. The box measures approximately 4.0" from side to side and 3.3" from front to rear; it stands 1.6" high. The rectangular counters are 69mm by 16mm, and the round counters are 29mm in diameter.

There is loss to the fretwork panels on the outside of the box -- on the top of the lid, and at two places on the side. In all other respects, the box is in exceptionally good condition. The ivory counters show great graining and color, with gorgeous black lac penwork, and are in perfect condition with the exception of one round counter that has slight edge wear.

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Item ID: T0000180