VIZAGAPATAM, MID-18TH CENTURY

Details

AN ANGLO-INDIAN EBONY AND IVORY CASKET
VIZAGAPATAM, MID-18TH CENTURY
Inlaid overall with engraved floral trails around a floral-inlaid tablet, the hinged lid enclosing a fitted interior with a lidded compartment and two drawers, the front with two base drawers
5 1/2. in. (14 cm.) high; 11 1/2. in. (29 cm.) wide; 7 1/2. in. (19 cm.) deep

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.

Brought to you by

Carys Bingham

cbingham@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2350

Lot Essay

Vizagapatam was renowned for its cabinet-making industry which combined western forms with Indian ornamentation inspired by Coromandel chintzes, in particular inlaying wood with a profusion of distinctive floral designs in ivory, the ivory being boldly engraved and highlighted with lac (Amin Jaffer, Furniture from British India and Ceylon', London, 2001, pp. 172-175). Among the items so-decorated was a profusion of boxes and caskets for sewing and writing which were a prerequisite for East India Company officials and merchants stationed in India and many naturally were brought back to Europe at the end of tours of duty and as commercial cargo.

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