Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1800s.
The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials.
Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra colour.
The lid lifts to reveal a Coromandel interior with two lidded compartments, the lids in carved Sandalwood, the colour as fresh as the day it was made, and beautifully preserved.
A really fabulous piece, in superb condition, measuring 10 1/4" x 5 1/2" x 6 1/2" tall.
Item ID: 34578
FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From London, England
Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1800s.
A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Puckerings Profile Page
Rare Antique Anglo Indian Carved Sandalwood & Sadeli Double Tea Caddy C.1820
