Antique Anglo Indian Sadeli Craft Inlaid Box

Details

Description

A stunning camel bone, ebony and mother of pearl inlaid sadeli work box with portable writing desk, Bombay, circa 1850.
… Read more A stunning camel bone, ebony and mother of pearl 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.
4.5 inches wide 2.4 deep 2.5 high

The intricate detailed workmanship on this box is of the highest quality. Even one small lid would have taken many hours to complete. Sadeli
The technique is believed to have originated in Persia (Iran) as "Khatam" and was brought to India through Sindh and Surat, where Indian craftsmen developed their own distinct forms. See less