George V. tabatière de présentation rectangulaire en émail, or et pierres précieuses, probablement Hanau, début du XIXe siècle et adaptée pour la présentation de 1911

le couvercle postérieur orné d'un portrait miniature de George V en empereur des Indes, orné de quatre guirlandes de diamants taillés en rose sur un fond émaillé de bleu profond, la bâte en émail postérieure, inscription à l'intérieur, estampé 14c



rectangular, the later lid inset with a miniature of George V as Emperor of India, wearing uniform, within a jewelled crowned frame, between four rose diamond-set garlands on a deep blue enamel ground and later enamelled sides, the base with engine-turned and chased shell and strapwork ornament, the interior inscribed, struck: 14c

The inscription reads: Lieut. Maharajah of Mayurbhanj

The box was presented to Ramchandra Bhanj Deo, created Maharaja of Mayurbhanj in 1910 and Lieutenant-Governor of the state at George V's Coronation Durbar at Delhi in 1911.

The box is in good condition but the miniature has some flaking on left side and spots of mould on the interior of the glass; hinge pin projects slightly on left. The original box would have been made about 1825 and the lid was changed and sides enamelled in preparation for the presentation in 1911.
"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."

The state of Mayurbhanj in Orissa was founded about 600AD by Jai Singh, a relative of the Raja of Jaipur. When the British conquered the province of Behar and Orissa in 1803/4, Mayurbhanj was ceded by the Marattas. In 1812 an annual tribute was fixed with the then ruler Tribikram Bhanj. The father of Ramchandra Bhanj Deo, to whom this box was given, was created Maharaja in 1877 in recognition of his good government, liberal public benefactions and his encouragement of native manufactures and industries. He died in 1882 and the Government took over control until Ramchandra reached his majority in 1890. Equally well regarded, he became Maharaja in 1910 and the title was made hereditary. At the Delhi Coronation Durbar of 1911, the province of Orissa was placed under the administration of a Lieutenant-Governor. The following year, however, Ramchandra died as the result of an accident while out shooting.