Not currently on display at the V&A

Writing Cabinet

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

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
SCRAN
Furniture
India Museum
Object type
Writing cabinet
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
Sandalwood
Brass
Velvet
Carving
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
Foliation
Animals
Birds
Peacock
Parrot
Squirrel
Monkey
Leaves
Lion
Horses
Elephant
Krishna
Kaliya
Adam
Eve
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
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
02296:1, 2/(IS)

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Record createdDecember 3, 2002
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O71275/writing-cabinet-unknown/
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