MYSORE, SOUTH INDIA, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Details

A SANDALWOOOD PORTABLE WRITING SLOPE
MYSORE, SOUTH INDIA, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY
On four feline feet, of typical form, the slope opening to reveal compartments, two drawers below, a pen case fitted to accommodate two inkwells above, deeply engraved with mythological scenes including Shiva and other Hindu gods on profuse scrolling ground
15 x 19 x 16in. (38.2 x 48.2 x 40.6cm.)

Special notice

Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a filled square not collected from Christie’s by 5.00 pm on the day of the sale will, at our option, be removed to Cadogan Tate. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Cadogan Tate Ltd. All collections will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

Brought to you by

Beatrice Campi

bcampi@christies.com +44 (0)20 3219 6159

Lot Essay

This virtuoso cabinet is typical of the highly skilled sandalwood-carving workshops of Mysore in southern India. By the 19th century the hereditary craftsmen working here, the Gudigar, were regularly producing articles to satisfy growing European demand. Some were produced for the World Exhibitions in London and Paris as early as the 1850s but the tradition continues well into the 20th century. Our cabinet depicts scenes with Shiva as an ascetic and other Hindu gods.

More from Arts of India

View All