Not on display

Writing Cabinet

ca. 1858 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This virtuoso cabinet is typical of the highly skilled sandalwood-carving workshops of Mysore in southern India. By the 19th century the hereditary craftsmen working here, the Gudigar, were regularly producing articles to satisfy growing European demand. This particular piece depicts both Hindu deities such as Lord Krishna, and biblical scenes, including Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 6 parts.

  • Writing Cabinet
  • Top Drawer
  • Middle Drawer
  • Bottom Drawer
  • Key
  • Key
Materials and techniques
Carved sandalwood, with brass lock and silvered brass hinges; tray and drawers lined with red velvet
Brief description
Carved sandalwood writing cabinet made in Mysore, with a brass lock and silvered brass hinges.
Dimensions
  • Height: 65cm
  • Width: 59cm
  • Depth: 41cm
Subjects depicted
Summary
This virtuoso cabinet is typical of the highly skilled sandalwood-carving workshops of Mysore in southern India. By the 19th century the hereditary craftsmen working here, the Gudigar, were regularly producing articles to satisfy growing European demand. This particular piece depicts both Hindu deities such as Lord Krishna, and biblical scenes, including Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Bibliographic references
  • 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.153, fig 15
  • Bryant, Julius, Editor. Art and Design for All: The Victoria and Albert Museum. London: V&A Publishing, 2011. ISBN 9781851776665 p.237, cat. no.298
Collection
Accession number
02296:1, 2/(IS)

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Record createdDecember 3, 2002
Record URL
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