19th Century Anglo-Indian Sadeli Inlaid Work Box/Traveling Writing Desk

Details

Description

A stunning camel bone, ebony and metal inlaid sadeli work box with portable writing desk, Bombay, circa 1850.
The sandalwood … Read more A stunning camel bone, ebony and metal inlaid sadeli work box with portable writing desk, Bombay, circa 1850.
The sandalwood body of faceted rectangular form with a hinged lid lined with violet velvet. The front drawer opening out into a velvet lined writing slope with pen holder on the side. The gabled cover revealing various lidded compartments, some holding bone spindles for thread. Brass handles to the sides, the entire surface inlaid with plaques of bone inset with sadeli micro-mosaic roundels and triangles bordered by geometric bands. The large scale and exquisite workmanship make this a very fine example of this type of box. Old paper label on the bottom: Mrs H. Fenwick, likely the original owner.
17 inches wide 11.5 deep 7 high

The intricate detailed workmanship on this box is of the highest quality. Even one small lid would have taken many hours to complete. This is a unique item from a bygone era to marvel at as a work of art and superior craftsmanship.

See condition report below:
That a box so intricate survives at all is a minor miracle. This one is remarkably intact, with some issues. Some nail-heads have popped out on back of the box, damaging the inlay. Overall various losses and cracks, damage to some spindles etc. The drawer sticks and is unstable when open. See less