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ID #SA1141430
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Unusual Martara Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box
Sold by John Howkins Antiques
sold SA1141430
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

John Howkins Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2010
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Id #SA1141430
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Unusual Martara Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box

19th century
Sold 19 August 2025 · John Howkins Antiques
This “Unusual Martara Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box” found a buyer.

It was listed by John Howkins Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Bone Inlay BoxBone Inlay Trinket Box Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Ceylonese porcupine quill, ebony and bone inlaid trinket box engraved Martara (Sri Lanka). The lid opens to a removable fitted interior with 9 with inlaid lids with brass ring pulls. The whole in very good condition and raised on small shaped feet. No key. Dimensions:- Height…2.75’’/ 7cm. Width…10.25’’/ 26cm. Depth…8’’/ 20cm. P&P. £12.

Physical Dimensions
Height
7cm (2.76")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Declaration

John Howkins Antiques has dated this Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1141430
Dealers Internal Reference
24758
Dealers Notes

ALL TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME.

Viewing by appointment.

Delivery.

We will gladly provide a quote for delivery to any U.K Mainland address and we offer a full 7 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase. (Less the delivery cost)

Payment.

We accept payment by cheque or bank transfer.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information on this item on 07770 311611.

Description
Ceylonese porcupine quill, ebony and bone inlaid trinket box engraved Martara (Sri Lanka). The lid opens to a removable fitted interior with 9 with inlaid lids with brass ring pulls. The whole in very good condition and raised on small shaped feet. No key. Dimensions:- Height…2.75’’/ 7cm. Width…10.25’’/ 26cm. Depth…8’’/ 20cm. P&P. £12.
Height
7cm (2.76")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Date of Manufacture

John Howkins Antiques has dated this Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1141430
Dealers Internal Ref
24758
John Howkins Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2010
Dealer Profile

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

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An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 7
Archive I An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Unusual Martara Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box

Archive II An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. View II
Archive III An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. View III
Archive IV An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. View IV
Archive V An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. View V
Archive VI An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. View VI
Archive VII An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid. View VII
Enlarged Archival View

John Howkins Antiques
Telephone 01508 498335 or 07770 311 611
Location
The Grange
Hempnall Green
Norfolk
NR15 2NR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified Since Sep 2010
Items For Sale 477
Items Sold 3,828
John Howkins Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Grange, Hempnall Green, Norfolk, NR15 2NR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified
Sep 2010
For Sale
477
Sold
3,828
An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid.
Unusual Martara Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box
Ref: SA1141430
An open antique Ceylonese porcupine quill box displaying intricate bone inlay and a central lion motif on the inner lid.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTrinket Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleColonial Ceylonese
  • MaterialPorcupine quills, bone, ebony, coromandel, brass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsPorcupine quill banding, Bone dot inlay, Engraved lion motif, Geometric compartments
  • SizeH 7 cm (3 in) x W 26 cm (10 in) x D 20 cm (8 in)

FAQs

These decorative containers were crafted in colonial Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the 19th century, typically featuring wooden frameworks elaborately decorated with natural porcupine quills and bone inlay.

Authentic pieces generally utilise dark coromandel or ebony wood as a base, combined with alternating bands of porcupine quills, carved bone, or ivory dot motifs, alongside brass hinges and locking mechanisms.

Authenticity is determined by examining the structural joinery, the natural variation and patina of the quills and bone inlay, hand-engraved interior details such as the Matara lion motif, and period-appropriate brass hardware.

Placed upon a console table, desk, or bookshelf, this textural antique adds historical depth and global eclecticism, pairing well with both minimalist modern furnishings and traditional decors.

Keep the box out of direct sunlight to prevent the dark wood from fading, maintain stable indoor humidity levels to protect the bone inlay, and dust gently with a dry microfibre cloth.
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