A 19th-century colonial writing box crafted from solid ebony. The box is defined by its elegant colonial design, showcasing fine period joinery and a highly detailed finish throughout the solid ebony construction. The lid opens smoothly to reveal a meticulously configured interior with fitted compartments, highlighting the crisp internal layout and expert hand-craftsmanship characteristic of high-quality traditional Sri Lankan cabinetry.

The piece is in showroom condition. It is ready for immediate use in the home.

Dimensions:

* Length: 42.5 cm

* Width: 24.5 cm

* Height: 15.5 cm

Declaration

Colton Antiques has dated this Antique Ebony Writing Box to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1102207

Dealers Internal Reference

001

Dealers Notes

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or to request additional photographs of this item.

Shipping arrangements will be handled with ease on a case-by-case basis; please inquire for further details.

If you are seeking a specific piece, kindly get in touch, as our display consists of a limited section. We would be pleased to assist you.

Description

A 19th-century colonial writing box crafted from solid ebony.

“

The box is defined by its elegant colonial design, showcasing fine period joinery and a highly detailed finish throughout the solid ebony construction.

Colton Antiques

The lid opens smoothly to reveal a meticulously configured interior with fitted compartments, highlighting the crisp internal layout and expert hand-craftsmanship characteristic of high-quality traditional Sri Lankan cabinetry.

The piece is in showroom condition. It is ready for immediate use in the home.

Dimensions:

Length: 42.5 cm

Width: 24.5 cm

Height: 15.5 cm

Date of Manufacture

Colton Antiques has dated this Antique Ebony Writing Box to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1102207

Dealers Internal Ref

001

About the Dealer

Colton Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2024

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Colton Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key.

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Archive I

19th-Century Sri-Lankan Ebony Writing Box

Archive II

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View II

Archive III

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View III

Archive IV

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View IV

Archive V

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View V

Archive VI

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View VI

Archive VII

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View VII

Archive VIII

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View VIII

Archive IX

A rectangular 19th-century black ebony wood writing box featuring horizontal reeded carving, a brass escutcheon, and an inserted key. View IX

During the nineteenth century, skilled artisans in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) crafted fine woodenware using native hardwoods such as ebony and satinwood. These items were widely acquired by foreign officials and traders as luxury writing accessories and portable document storage.

Colonial writing boxes were primarily constructed from solid hardwoods like ebony, calamander, or teak. Exterior detailing often featured hand-carved reeding or relief patterns, paired with brass locks, hinges, and escutcheons.

Authentic nineteenth-century ebony pieces display significant weight due to the density of the timber, deep dark tone, and subtle signs of hand-tooling or age-appropriate oxidisation on brass components. Dovetail joints and hand-cut screws are standard structural features of the period.

An antique writing box functions as a refined focal point on an office desk, library table, or sideboard. Its dark tone and tactile reeded exterior contrast effectively against lighter natural materials, glass, or stone surfaces.

Dust the surface regularly with a dry, lint-free microfibre cloth. To prevent the timber from cracking, maintain stable ambient humidity levels and keep the item away from direct sunlight or heat sources, applying a clear natural beeswax sparingly when necessary.

Colton Antiques

19th-century Sri-lankan Ebony Writing Box

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19th-century Sri-lankan Ebony Writing Box

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

19th-century Anglo-indian Ebony Writing Box with Reeded Decoration

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The Sustainable Choice

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