Writing Desk
ca. 1875 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This writing desk was made at Vizagapatam, a leading centre of wood and ivory work, and the most important city in the maharaja's state. Following the collapse of the East India Company in 1857, India was governed directly by the British Government. In order to cement relations between the Crown and India's princes and people, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) was sent on an extensive tour of the subcontinent.
Throughout his visit the prince received local princes, who offered him tokens of homage and friendship. This portable writing desk was one such gift, and was probably presented by the Maharaja of Vizianagram.
Throughout his visit the prince received local princes, who offered him tokens of homage and friendship. This portable writing desk was one such gift, and was probably presented by the Maharaja of Vizianagram.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Sandalwood, veneered with ivory, engraved and highlighted with lac, with silver lock, hinges and mounts |
Brief description | Portable writing desk, sandalwood veneered with ivory, etched with floral bands & Royal coat of arms on outside of slope; 5 compartments at back under hinged lid, Vishakhapatnam, India, ca. 1875 |
Physical description | Portable writing desk of sandalwood, veneered with ivory, engraved and highlighted with lac, with silver lock, hinges and mounts. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Credit line | Lent by His Majesty The King |
Object history | The desk was presented to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) on his tour of India in 1875-6, possibly by the Maharaja of Vizianagram. It has been on loan from the Royal Collection since 1912. |
Summary | This writing desk was made at Vizagapatam, a leading centre of wood and ivory work, and the most important city in the maharaja's state. Following the collapse of the East India Company in 1857, India was governed directly by the British Government. In order to cement relations between the Crown and India's princes and people, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) was sent on an extensive tour of the subcontinent. Throughout his visit the prince received local princes, who offered him tokens of homage and friendship. This portable writing desk was one such gift, and was probably presented by the Maharaja of Vizianagram. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | LOAN:ROYAL.461 |
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Record created | July 26, 2005 |
Record URL |
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