λ AN ENGRAVED IVORY AND TORTOISESHELL-OVERLAID CARVED SANDALWOOD NÉCESSAIRE TRAVEL BOX
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE GERMAN COLLECTION
Possibly Vizagapatam, Andhra Pradesh, Eastern India, late 19th century

Of rectangular shape, resting on four sloping feet carved as ivory lion paws, the sloping faceted lid flat at the top, the exterior of the sandalwood body clad in rectangular panels of tortoiseshell overlaid with a variety of ivory decorative elements including short rectangular ivory bands imitating the brass containment bands of larger trunks; panels of openwork vegetal sprays interspersed with oval roundels engraved with stylised roses; and an engraved band filled with a black-painted vegetal festoon with rosettes; the interior divided in two registers, the top tray acting as nécessaire container with several square and rectangular compartments, some lidded and repeating the same engraved and openwork decorative motifs of the exterior, the lower secret compartment plain and lined in later dark blue velvet, the interior of the lid filled with a later Western mirror, 11.5cm x 18cm x 23cm.

This item may require Export or CITES licences in order to leave the UK or the European Union. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that lots have the relevant licences before shipping.