Master Art

The wooden box with inlaid ebony and ivory is engraved with flower buds, scrolling vines and leaves. On the top lid of the box - a bird inside two concentric circles with playful squirrels alongside scrolling vines, flower buds and alternating diamond shapes of ebony and ivory. The top lid with two brass hinges and two studded floral rosettes. To the sides of the box are brass handles with a brass lock plate and key to the front. European furnishings much like this document box and other various European-like forms were produced by craftsman in Vizagapatam, India, from the early 18th century. Vizagapatam was a fundamental centre for production of luxurious objects exported to Europe and other ports.

This item contains less than 10% ivory and has been registered with Defra.