Knitting Box
ca. 1855 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In the 19th century decorative boxes of this type were made in some quantity to meet the twin demands of the tourist market and the growing appreciation of Indian craftsmen. This particular box is decorated with a rich geometric pattern using sadeli, a micro-mosaic of woods, metals and ivory. The production of sadeli was centred in Bombay Presidency, although a group of sadeli artisans are known to have been working in Calcutta, where this box was made.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Rosewood with parquetry of sadeli, wood and ivory, sandalwood lining and silvered brass mounts |
| Brief description | Domestic, sandalwood ivory, inlaid, Calcutta |
| Physical description | Glove box of rosewood, the exterior with parquetry of sadeli, wood and ivory, the interior lined with sandalwood, with silvered brass lock and hinges. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | The box was probably exhibited at the Universal Exhibition, held in Paris in 1855, and acquired by the Indian Museum. Transferred from the India Museum in 1879. 1880 Register Entry: [Room 8. Wall Case 30.] '01,157. KNITTING BOX. Sandalwood, covered with ivory and mosaic; Calcutta. 4,286' |
| Summary | In the 19th century decorative boxes of this type were made in some quantity to meet the twin demands of the tourist market and the growing appreciation of Indian craftsmen. This particular box is decorated with a rich geometric pattern using sadeli, a micro-mosaic of woods, metals and ivory. The production of sadeli was centred in Bombay Presidency, although a group of sadeli artisans are known to have been working in Calcutta, where this box was made. |
| Associated object | 01156(IS) (Shared Other number) |
| Bibliographic reference | 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.234, pl.75.. |
| Other number | 4286 - India Museum Slip Book |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 01157(IS) |
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| Record created | January 9, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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