- 265
A carved ivory casket and scroll presented to Sir Joseph West Ridgeway, Governor of British Ceylon, Sri Lanka, 1903
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- ivory, metalwork, paper
the rectangular ivory box carved in deep relief with scrolling vegetation and elephants amongst palm trees, with gilt-worked borders, gilt seal to lid inscribed 'J.W.R - CEYLON - 1903', the hinged lid opening to reveal a gold plaque inscribed 'Presented by the Chiefs of the Western Province' and a painted scroll highlighting Sir Joseph West Ridgeway's achievements (the drawings signed 'M.P.R & ACGA')
Provenance
Sir Joseph West Ridgeway, GCB, GCMG, KCSI, PC (16 May 1844 – 16 April 1930), Governor of British Ceylon.
Thence by descent.
Thence by descent.
Condition
In very good condition, the ivory casket in good condition with only two minor breaks to ivory decoration, the scroll backed on silk, very minor discoloration, as viewed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Posted as Governor of British Ceylon from 10 February 1896 to 19 November 1903, Sir Joseph West Ridgeway was responsible for a number of accomplishments which are noted in the scroll accompanying the box given to him as a parting gift by the Chiefs of the Western Provinces: "To His Excellency, The Righ Honourable Sir J. West Ridgeway, GCMG, KCB, KCSI, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Island of Ceylon and its dependencies". The scroll goes on to enumerate the following deeds, the most notable of which include:
- The construction of a railway from Colombo through Avisawella to Yatiyantota and the measures taken to extend it to Sabaragomuva.
- The extension of the Water Works Scheme.
- The reorganization of the Technical College & the establishment of a Training College.
- The reorganization of the Civil and Clerical Service.
- Measures adopted for the repression of Crime.
"These measures have in a marked degree beneficially affected all classes of the community both Native and European, and we therefore take this opportunity of conveying to Your Excellency the heart-felt gratitude of the Singhalese population of this Province" and signed by thirty-eight chiefs of the Western province, including: S.D.Bandaranayaka C.MG. Maha Mudlr.
- The construction of a railway from Colombo through Avisawella to Yatiyantota and the measures taken to extend it to Sabaragomuva.
- The extension of the Water Works Scheme.
- The reorganization of the Technical College & the establishment of a Training College.
- The reorganization of the Civil and Clerical Service.
- Measures adopted for the repression of Crime.
"These measures have in a marked degree beneficially affected all classes of the community both Native and European, and we therefore take this opportunity of conveying to Your Excellency the heart-felt gratitude of the Singhalese population of this Province" and signed by thirty-eight chiefs of the Western province, including: S.D.Bandaranayaka C.MG. Maha Mudlr.