In the 19th century many centres produced ivory artefacts in the Punjab, including Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujranwala, Hoshiarpur and Lahore. The articles produced for local consumption included bed posts, back-scratchers, ornamented combs and chauris (bangles). The craftsmen extended their range to meet the demands of Europeans, producing small boxes and perfume bottles. This piece was originally acquired by the Indian Museum in London in 1855, and then described as being from Lahore. It is likely that it was bought from the Paris Exhibition of that year.