Box thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

ca. 1867 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The inscription on the underside of the box confirms that it was made in Berhampur, a town on the Bhagirathi River where travellers sailing towards the Ganges would often stop for rest and refreshment. European accounts confirm that on docking at Berhampur, ivory carvers and salesman would offer them finely carved boxes, chess pieces, puzzles and letter openers. Such work was widely admired for the delicacy of its carving, and it frequently featured in the exhibitions of the day. This piece was shown at the Universal Exhibition held in Paris in 1867 and was acquired by the Museum at the time.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved ivory, with silvered brass hinges, brass lock and wrought iron key
Brief description
Rectangular box, ivory,,Berhampur, c.1867.
Physical description
Rectangular box carved with foliate designs.
Dimensions
  • Height: 13cm
  • Width: 26.5cm
  • Depth: 16cm
Marks and inscriptions
Exh... No.9/Government/Paris Exhibition/from Berhampore Bengal/Box/Price Rs. 175 (English)
Subjects depicted
Summary
The inscription on the underside of the box confirms that it was made in Berhampur, a town on the Bhagirathi River where travellers sailing towards the Ganges would often stop for rest and refreshment. European accounts confirm that on docking at Berhampur, ivory carvers and salesman would offer them finely carved boxes, chess pieces, puzzles and letter openers. Such work was widely admired for the delicacy of its carving, and it frequently featured in the exhibitions of the day. This piece was shown at the Universal Exhibition held in Paris in 1867 and was acquired by the Museum at the time.
Bibliographic reference
Jaffer, Amin Furniture from British India and Ceylon: A Catalogue of the Collections in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum. London : V&A Publications, 2001. 416 p., ill. ISBN 1851773185.p.263, pl.90.
Collection
Accession number
02471(IS)

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Record createdDecember 2, 2002
Record URL
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