Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1860s.
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. Ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra colour.
The interior is quite superb with a Sandalwood fitted interior all inlaid with Sadeli Mosaic roundels, all the edges are beautifully inlaid too.
A highly collectible example in superb condition complete with working key, measuring 8 1/2" wide at rear, 3 1/2" wide at front, 5 3/4" deep and 5 1/4" deep at rear.
Item ID: 34849
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Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1860s.
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Antique Anglo-indian Sandalwood, Ivory & Sadeli Mosaic Stationery or Writing Box C.1860
