Not currently on display at the V&A

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.


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
  • Height: 13cm
  • Width: 44.5cm
  • Depth: 33.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
  • Loan Collection of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. India, 1875-76. No. 948. Desk, of ivory & sandalwood. Vizianagram
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
  • Jaffer, A. Furniture from British India and Ceylon: a catalogue of the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2001. ISBN 1 85177 318 5,p.217-8,pl.64.
  • Visit the Royal Collection Trust’s website for more information at www.rct.uk/collection
Collection
Accession number
LOAN:ROYAL.461

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Record createdJuly 26, 2005
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