Indian colonial inlaid work box

This larger document or work box is an example of typical early 18th century craftmanship influenced by the Europeans but also the Indian taste and culture. The brownish with darker veining rosewood is considered as a precious hardwood and perfect to withstand the warm and moistures climate of the Indian ocean region and Indonesian archipelago. The ivory is etched and filled with black lacquer to form a shade on the flower buds. The ‘scrolling vines’ created out of black leaves and stems of the flower are inlaid with ebony wood. The top lid had four studded floral rosettes, and the sides of the box have brass handles. The front is also provided with an elegant brass lock plate and a key. On the inside we can find several compartments to store writing materials.

Vizagapatam was a fundamental center for production of luxurious objects exported to Europe and other ports. It was a part of Madras Presidency (the administrative divisions of Madras, province of British India with St. George fort) from the 17th century till the independence in 1947. The first written reference to ivory inlayed furniture in Vizagapatam was made in 1756 by Major John Corneille, who noted that the area was known for the quality of its Chintz (processed fabric), which is “esteemed the best in India for the brightness of its colours”, and that "the place is likewise remarkable for its inlay work, and justly for they do it to the greatest perfection". The British East India Company had a textile factory in Vizagapatam from 1668. Eventually by 1768 the British gained control over the whole area. It was a tradition in Vizagapatam to manufacture furniture in Western style, using ivory etched with lacquer inlaid into wood. The decoration they used in Vizagapatam was inspired from the Mughal culture ( such as scrolling vines). Even though the British had control over Vizagapatam and other regions, objects produced in Vizagapatam during the 18th century were also made for company officials from Holland as wel as the European market.

Condition: Good, some wear to the inlay work.
For a similar example mounted on a later stand, see: Christie's 17 February 2016, Live auction 12033, lot nr. 267.

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