SRI LANKA, CIRCA 1650-75 AD

Details

A FINE SINHALESE IVORY-VENEERED CASKET
SRI LANKA, CIRCA 1650-75 AD
Of rectangular form on four rounded feet, the veneered decoration in panels carved in low relief with dense floral scrolls forming elegant curves, with birds amidst foliage, with silver mounts, the interiors with green and yellow silk lining
3 3/8 x 9¾ x 7¾in. (8.8 x 24.5 x 19.6cm.)

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

An ivory-veneered cabinet in the Victoria and Albert Museum with panels depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is carved in low-relief with floral scrolls and birds in a very similar fashion to that of our casket. It can be dated to 1650-1675 AD (Amin Jaffer, Luxury Goods from India, London, 2002, p.54-55, cat.20). Another casket with Adam and Eve, recently exhibited in the Rietberg museum, Zurich, is also decorated with similar avian motifs amid scrolling vine. It is attributed to Kandy and dated 17th century (Elfenbeine aus Ceylon, Exhibition Catalogue, Museum Rietberg, Zurich, 2010, pl. 49, p. 118).

For a finely carved Sinhalese ivory long box of the same period, see Christie's, 6 October 2011, lot 383.

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