A VIZIGAPATNAM IVORY-VENEERED BOX, last quarter 18th century

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A VIZIGAPATNAM IVORY-VENEERED BOX, last quarter 18th century

Of rectangular outline, the cover and sides engraved with depictions of Colonial residences within floral borders, with drawer to the front and silver-plated handles to the sides, on stylised ogee bracket feet, with plaque to the interior inscribed This elegantly engraved Ivory Box was presented by Earl Cornwallis (while Governor of India) to his late Royal Highness The Duke of York and was in his possession until his death, some losses to veneer on feet
18½in.(47cm.) wide

Lot Essay

Cornwallis, Charles, 1st Marquis Cornwallis, son of 1st Earl Cornwallis, 1738 - 1805. Served as Governor general and commander-in-chief in India (1786 - 1793), conducted British forces in the third Mysore War against Tippu Sultan, whom he defeated near Seringapatam (1791) and deprived of half his realm.
Vizigapatnam (Vishakhapatnam), half-way between Madras and Calcutta became the main production centre for furniture using local hardwoods with elaborately decorated ivory inlay and veneer during this period.

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