View full screen - View 1 of Lot 111. An Anglo-Indian coromandel work Box, Sri Lanka, Galle District, probably Matara, circa 1830-50 .
111

An Anglo-Indian coromandel work Box, Sri Lanka, Galle District, probably Matara, circa 1830-50

PROPERTY OF A LADY

109

111

112

An Anglo-Indian coromandel work Box, Sri Lanka, Galle District, probably Matara, circa 1830-50

An Anglo-Indian coromandel work Box, Sri Lanka, Galle District, probably Matara, circa 1830-50

of rectangular form, the exterior with a flat lid and scalloped sides, the hinged lid opening to reveal a sectioned interior, the rear section with ring pulls allowing it to be lifted resting on projecting wooden blocks, revealing seven drawers with ivory veneered front, the front section fitted with two detachable trays divided into lidded compartments, each with ring pulls, the top tray with thirteen compartments with ivory veneered lids and zig-zag silver borders, the lower tray with eleven compartments with various wooden lids, the inner face of the lid inlaid at centre hexagon divided into eighteen sections of various woods, the borders decorated with ivory-inlaid floral motifs highlighted with black and red lac


35.4 by 50.1 by 21cm.

In overall good condition, the various wood and ivory panels have suffered humidity and are occasionally raised and not uniform, the central rosette of the inner face of the lid partly restored, the silver inlay of the borders partly lost, the small pieces of wood on which the lids rest are occasionally loose, some bands raised; the rear part which pulls up with two rings has two projecting wooden blocks, one of which is slightly damaged, one ivory plaque loose, some of the rings are slightly bent, 2 lid rings in the rear compartment missing, 1 pull ring on the first detachable tray missing, the key missing, as viewed. We would suggest consulting a professional furniture restorer for a more detailed condition report.


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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This lot contains ivory. Sotheby’s recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict the import of elephant ivory and prohibit the import of African elephant ivory, EU regulations restrict the import of elephant ivory from outside the EU and a registration system will be in force in the UK from 6 June 2022. Please note that Sotheby’s will not assist buyers with CITIES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Sotheby’s assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Please note that CITIES licences are required for the export of any restricted species from the UK, including EU countries. A buyer’s inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.
One of the striking features of this box is the presence of three portraits depicted on the drawers of the rear compartments. The central figure is wearing a crown while the two to the side are dressed in a distinguished fashion, appearing to be noblemen. For a further discussion on royal portraits on such boxes see Jaffer 2001, p.375. A nearly identical box attributed to the Galle District in the town of Matara and dated to same period is now in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, inv. no.IS 81/1948; illustrated in Jaffer 2001, p.374, no.182.