An Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam ivory inlaid rosewood casket mid 18th century

Good general condition. Later brass supports to lid. Later lock and escutcheon. Minor restoration to ivory. Slight warping to the lid.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This box, the shape of which derives from an English form, is inlaid with ivory which is richly engraved.  It was almost certainly produced in the town of Vizapapatam in the Northern Circars, which was situated on the Coromandel coast between the cities of Calcutta and Madras. The site of an East India Company factory since 1668, it became the centre of a thriving furniture industry during the 18th century, many of the pieces, which included small tables, chairs, toilet mirrors and small boxes as in the present item, being conceived in the European manner. In 1801 Henrietta Clive, daughter of Lord Clive, visited Vizagatam and wroto to her father `We have seen the people inlaying the Ivory it appears very simple they draw the pattern.. they intend with a pencil and then cut it out slightly with a small piece of Iron, they afterwards out hot Lac upon it, and when it is dry scrape it off and polish it, the Lac remains in the marks made with the pieces of iron...'.