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ID #SA1125033
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19th C Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box
Sold by William James Antiques
sold SA1125033
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

William James Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2010
Browse dealers 73 items
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    William James Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 
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Id #SA1125033
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19th C Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box

19th century
Sold 1 September 2025 · William James Antiques
This “19th C Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box” found a buyer.

It was listed by William James 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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Description

A late 19th century Ceylonese Ebony and Porcupine Quill box with bone inlaid decoration. This lovely box is hexagonal in shape with the original brass carrying handle, lock and get. The lid lifts up to reveal an inlaid top, decorated with an Elephant and the name "Galle" which is the place in Ceylon where it was made. The inside base lined with a cushioned velvet interior. Super original condition throughout. Ceylon, late 19th century.

Dimensions: Height: 10.25 cm - 4 Inches, Width: 21.5 cm - 8 1/2 Inches, Depth: 18.5 cm - 17 1/4 Inches

Price inclusive of parcel courier delivery within England and Wales

Date of Manufacture

William James Antiques has dated this Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
10.2cm (4.02")
Width
21.5cm (8.46")
Depth
18.5cm (7.28")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1125033
Description
A late 19th century Ceylonese Ebony and Porcupine Quill box with bone inlaid decoration. This lovely box is hexagonal in shape with the original brass carrying handle, lock and get.
“
The lid lifts up to reveal an inlaid top, decorated with an Elephant and the name "Galle" which is the place in Ceylon where it was made.
William James Antiques

The inside base lined with a cushioned velvet interior. Super original condition throughout. Ceylon, late 19th century.

Dimensions: Height: 10.25 cm - 4 Inches, Width: 21.5 cm - 8 1/2 Inches, Depth: 18.5 cm - 17 1/4 Inches

Price inclusive of parcel courier delivery within England and Wales

Date of Manufacture

William James Antiques has dated this Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box to the 19th Century.

Height
10.2cm (4.02")
Width
21.5cm (8.46")
Depth
18.5cm (7.28")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1125033
William James Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2010
Dealer Profile

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

Trade Associations

William James Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 

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An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 6
Archive I An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

19th C Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box

Archive II An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. View II
Archive III An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. View III
Archive IV An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. View IV
Archive V An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. View V
Archive VI An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock. View VI
Enlarged Archival View

William James Antiques
Telephone 01603 736947
Location
Coltishall
Norfolk
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wja
Verified Since Apr 2010
Items For Sale 73
Items Sold 2,190
William James Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: Coltishall, Norfolk, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/wja
Verified
Apr 2010
For Sale
73
Sold
2,190
An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock.
19th C Ceylonese Porcupine Quill Box
Ref: SA1125033
An octagonal Ceylonese porcupine quill box featuring alternating quill panels, black wooden framing with white bone dots, a metal handle on top, and a key inserted into the front lock.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleBritish Colonial
  • MaterialPorcupine quill, bone, ebony, wood, metal
  • ColourBlack and amber
  • MotifsPorcupine quill panels, Bone dot inlay, Geometric framing, Octagonal shape
  • SizeH 10.2 cm (4 in) x W 21.5 cm (8 in) x D 18.5 cm (7 in)

FAQs

These decorative containers originated in 19th-century Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the British colonial period, crafted by local artisans primarily for export to the European market.

They are typically constructed from a timber frame, often calamander or ebony, featuring intricate surfaces composed of natural porcupine quills, bone or ivory inlay dots, and ebony geometric framing.

Authentic examples display hand-cut bone dot inlays, precise arrangement of organic quills showing natural colour variations, traditional dovetail or mitred joinery, and period metal hardware such as brass locks and handles.

Place the box on a console table, bookshelf, or coffee table to add texture, historic character, and a contrasting geometric element to contemporary spaces.

Keep the item away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity to prevent the drying out of organic materials and the loosening of delicate bone inlays.
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